Photos of West Taylor Elementary School in Taylor County, similar in square footage needed for a new Arnoldsburg Elementary School
By Bob Weaver
Calhoun school superintendent Roger Propst says a new Arnoldsburg School will be the centerpiece of the county's new 10-year plan. The state's School Building Authority has approved the plan.
Propst says at least six acres of land out of the flood plain will be needed for the $9 million project, indicating the passage of a bond will be needed to make it happen.
The school system will not ask for a bond until the current one is matured and paid off in June 2012.
Calhoun's match for SBA money is $1.5 million.
A special public meeting regarding the future of educational facilities in Calhoun is set for March 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Calhoun Middle-High School Auditorium.
The public forum will discuss the 2010-20 Comprehensive Education Facilities Plan (CEFP) and the CEFP Committee will meet following the forum.
Superintendent Propst says parents and concerned parents are urged to attend the meeting.
The 10-year plan will also address a multitude of improvements, including a new roof for Calhoun Middle-High School at $500,000 and other upgrades costing about $7 million.
The current Arnoldsburg school has a long list of needed improvements, from floor covering and heating and ventilation to plumbing and new furnishings, at an estimated cost of $5 million.
Pleasant Hill school has improvements estimated at $2,250,000.
The Calhoun Board of Education was updated last week regarding the activation of new security entrance systems in county schools.
Administrator Frank Tetrick said the security system will be activated by April 12.
Shari Johnson advised the board she is in the process of applying for a $125,000 Drug Free Communities Grant, which Superintendent Roger Propst and school board members will review prior to submittal.
Cynthia Dale advised the board that Calhoun is one of five counties eligible for an Education Alliance Frontline Grant that is designed to improve graduation rates.
The board amended a number of school days to compensate for some missed snow days. Starting new school years, missed days will be added to the school calendar at the end of the school year.
The board approved to place on the November ballot the renewal of Calhoun Library Levy, a five year levy.
During Thursday's meeting the board went into a one-hour executive session to discuss personnel issues, followed by approval of a number of personnel issues.
See complete minutes at Calhoun County Schools
Future Board Meeting Dates:
- Rescheduling of LSIC Meeting (Arnoldsburg Elementary) April 20, 2010
- March 25, 2010, Special Meeting (LSIC), 6:00 p.m., Calhoun Middle-High School
- April 12, 2010, Regular Meeting, 6:00 p.m., Calhoun Board of Education
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