Facilities committee recommendations
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on February 20, 2007 1:50 PM
The following recommendations were made by two focus committees designated by the Facilities Master Plan Team, comprised of members of the county commission and Board of Education. The education committee and facilities/real estate committees visited all 31 public schools, with their purpose to assess the most pressing facilities needs.
The suggestions will next be considered by the Advisory Council, returned to the school board for finalization and then submitted to the third focus committee, financial, to determine funding options.
Educational Process
Recommendations
1. The Board of Educaation should consider making Charles B. Aycock High School a middle school and building a new high school in the northern end. There is serious concern about the Norwayne site and the problems currently being experienced.
2. There are major needs to be considered as drainage, covered walkways, painting, technology infrastructure, technology equipment, intercom systems, telephone systems and deferred maintenance at most schools.
3. There are concerns that the five-year $90 million plan was not enough funding for the needs of the schools and that long range planning should be considered.
4. The building capacity levels as reported by the principals are accurate for the 2006-2007 school year.
5. The committee feels there is a state of urgency to begin a building program based on their observations. Action should be taken as soon as possible.
Facilities/Real Estate
Recommendations
1. Eastern Wayne Middle -- bulldoze this building and rebuild elsewhere, can either abandon this building or demolish (this is to be decided by the Board of Education).
2. Norwayne Middle -- bulldoze back buildings, leave newer administration, EC area and building 7, abandon site and rebuild elsewhere.
3. Recommends to rebuild on other sites these two middle schools and one elementary school, look for site better demographically located. These facilities in addition to other needs on the $90 million plan.