Demolition on Fair Street International Baccalaureate World School began Monday morning with a small crowd of administrators and students in attendance.

"I'm glad they're tearing it down," said Quincy Holcomb, a fourth-grader at Fair Street, who was present at the demolition. "It was getting old and (had) a lot of leaks. I'm glad we're getting a new school."

The construction crew started with the old, two-story building in the back of the school and plans to continue demolition throughout the week.

The new school is slated to begin construction in six weeks, after the old building is torn down and the land is cleared and prepped for the new building.

It should be ready to move into by December 2013, and comes with a budget of $15 million.

"I think it's pretty cool that they're getting a new school, because this one is pretty old," said Damonta Camp, a former Fair Street student, now an eleventh-grader at Wood's Mill High School. "I kind of have mixed emotions (watching the demolition) because I miss the school and it brings back memories, but I can't wait to see (what) the new school looks like."

Fair Street School has been a staple in the community for more than 75 years and the new school, some say, will be an upgrade.

"The new school will change the whole face of this neighborhood," said Will Campbell, Fair Street principal. "This is very exciting for me to know that in a couple of years we'll be coming back here to a new school."

Although some were sad to see the old school go, they said the chance to witness the event is something they'll remember.

"It feels good (to be able to watch the demolition)," Holcomb said. "It's my school and I'm glad (Principal Campbell) asked me to come and see Fair Street get torn down."