Email
Print
Schools seeking $100 million
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: February 17, 2009
Officials for Iredell-Statesville Schools and the Mooresville Graded School District presented plans for $100 million worth of school renovation and construction projects to the county's school facilities task force Monday night.
I-SS plans, which would cost an estimated $30 million, call for major renovations at Cool Spring Elementary and Union Grove Elementary and construction of a new $11 million auto technology facility.
MGSD officials made a pitch for more than $70 million in projects, including $40 million for a new high school.
Iredell County Commissioner Steve Johnson, who serves on the task force, said the projects will be a tough sell in the current economic conditions.
The only way to fund the projects, he said, is to boost the county's property tax rate.
"I predict the board of commissioners is not going to revise taxes to fund these projects," Johnson said.
"We're going to have to wait out this economic downturn."
I-SS Superintendent Terry Holliday said the district's plans adhered to guidelines established by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.
But he was realistic about the possibility of securing funding in the midst of a recession.
"We know money is tight and probably is down the road," Holliday said.
I-SS presented its Phase III projects, which include:
- Renovation of Cool Spring Elementary: Estimated to cost $12.7 million, the project would expand capacity from 450 to 650 students by adding 20 new classrooms. It would add music and art rooms, four resource rooms, a new administrative area, expanded parking area and sewer septic fields. The old building will be torn down and a new two-story complex will be built. The "high school sized" gymnasium will be set aside from the school for community use.
- Renovation of Union Grove Elementary: Estimated to cost $5.8 million, the project would expand capacity from nearly 300 to 440 students by adding 15 classrooms. It would add music and art rooms, three new resource rooms, an expanded parking area and replacement of the septic tank. The renovations will add an additional 10,000 square feet to the school.
- Construction of a new auto technology facility: The program, which is currently housed on the Statesville High School campus, would be moved to the district's annex property on Salisbury Road. Estimated to cost $11 million, the project would provide new classrooms, office space, meeting areas and shop space.
Phase III projects would also include $1 million for water and sewer improvements at Woodland Heights Elementary.
MGSD's wish list includes:
- $40 million for renovation and reconstruction of Mooresville High School;
n $15 million for renovation, reconstruction and relocation of N.F. Woods Advanced Technology and Arts Center;
n $5 million for expansion and renovation of multi-purpose rooms and gymnasiums additions at South Elementary and Park View Elementary;
n $500,000 for renovation of Mooresville Middle School; and
n $500,000 for a bus parking area for MGSD Transportation Department.
MGSD Superintendent Mark Edwards said the school district doesn't anticipate the need for additional space for the next six to eight years and recognizes the money available to fund these projects is tight.
"We know the projects will need a bond referendum, but now is not the time for that," he said.
Edwards said approval by the board of commissioners will determine the timeline for the projects.
"We know these are in the future and the economy and commissioners will determine when we can move forward," he said.
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
