Proposed Upgrades To School Buildings
Last night at the School Board meeting a list of proposed upgrades was presented.
Listed below are those proposals along with the estimated cost. Understand these are proposals and in no specific order of priority.
GILES COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Auditorium Seats/New Replacements .... $80,000.00
Replace Carpet in Library .... $4,500.00
Security Cameras .... $30,000.00
Replace Gym Floor .... $180,000.00
MINOR HILL
Mulch & Drain System For Playground .... $12,000.00
Paint Hallways .... $3,000.00
PULAKI ELEMENTARY
Security Cameras .... $20,000.00
RICHLAND HIGH SCHOOL
Carpet Auditorium .... $4,500.00
Re-Paint & Re-Surface Ceiling Auditorium .... $3,500.00
Pave Parking Lot .... $87,925.00
SOUTHSIDE
Replace Carpet In Library .... $4,500.00
ALL SCHOOLS
HVAC .... $115,000.00
Upgrade Restrooms .... $42,000.00
Priority Painting .... $10,000.00
School Bus Cost Increase .... $42,000.00
Replace Windows With Thermal Windows .... $160,000.00
School Signs .... $50,000.00
Roofing .... $475,000.00
Technology Upgrades .... $183,000.00
ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL
Install Sprinkler System .... $14,000.00
SCHOOL BUS GARAGE
Additions /Restrooms .... $170,000.00
MAINTENANCE BUILDING
Storage Building .... $22,000.00
Addition To Back Of Building .... $30,000.00
TOTAL ........ $1,742,925.00
Listed below are those proposals along with the estimated cost. Understand these are proposals and in no specific order of priority.
GILES COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Auditorium Seats/New Replacements .... $80,000.00
Replace Carpet in Library .... $4,500.00
Security Cameras .... $30,000.00
Replace Gym Floor .... $180,000.00
MINOR HILL
Mulch & Drain System For Playground .... $12,000.00
Paint Hallways .... $3,000.00
PULAKI ELEMENTARY
Security Cameras .... $20,000.00
RICHLAND HIGH SCHOOL
Carpet Auditorium .... $4,500.00
Re-Paint & Re-Surface Ceiling Auditorium .... $3,500.00
Pave Parking Lot .... $87,925.00
SOUTHSIDE
Replace Carpet In Library .... $4,500.00
ALL SCHOOLS
HVAC .... $115,000.00
Upgrade Restrooms .... $42,000.00
Priority Painting .... $10,000.00
School Bus Cost Increase .... $42,000.00
Replace Windows With Thermal Windows .... $160,000.00
School Signs .... $50,000.00
Roofing .... $475,000.00
Technology Upgrades .... $183,000.00
ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL
Install Sprinkler System .... $14,000.00
SCHOOL BUS GARAGE
Additions /Restrooms .... $170,000.00
MAINTENANCE BUILDING
Storage Building .... $22,000.00
Addition To Back Of Building .... $30,000.00
TOTAL ........ $1,742,925.00
posted by Allen Barrett | 11:57 AM
57 Comments:
What happened to Bridgeforth and Elkton. Do those schools not need anything. I bet they do.
Bridgeforth used to be infested with mold to the point of causing illness. Has anything been done to eradicate that? Giles County High School needs to be bulldozed and a new high school built. It is disgraceful what the students and teachers have to endure there in terms of an outdated, run-down building. So very thankful I don't have children in the local system these days.
These repairs need to be done as soon as possible before the price goes up. A $75.00 wheel tax should cover the cost.
50,000 for school signs are you kidding? 170,000 for school bus additions you should be able to build a nice big steel building for less than that. I agree with most of these but some are outrageous wastes
Hasn't been that long since the floor at GCHS was replaced because of water damage. At that rate, one every 5 years is expensive. The bus garage getting that kind of addition when all the schools need more classrooms and teachers.
A need for more security cameras at GCHS. Get someone who will learn to use the ones that are there.
One day soon, a decision is going to have to be made about the age of the buildings that house the students in the county. They are getting OLD! Bridgeforth, Pulaski Elementary and GCHS were build in the 50's.
Maybe there's more support for upgrading/replacing worn-out facilities than expected. Have always been a proponent of a wheel tax. Would be worth every dime if it meant upgrades to local education system! Better education, better county!
I have no doubt that all these repairs are necessary and most likely many many more. I am not a contractor and have no clue as to the "real cost" of these repairs although I believe that the price the board agreed to is incorrect. I have never yet witnessed a meeting where such is all reported correctly so let's just say I'm initially skeptical of the $$$ amts. Secondly who decided what the priorities were in the area of maintenance and what criteria was used to assist in that decision making process? Was is due to the probability that a lawsuit might result from unsafe conditions? Let's insert some common sense here. At some point is becmes necessary more cost effective to gut a building rather than patch it. It should have happened years ago at the central office instead building a second building It's ridiculous to think otherwise: two buildings to heat or cool, maintain, clean, etc. Not to mention that one of the building has been condemned. Wise up school board, quit putting band-aids on a problem that requires amputation. Bridgeforth and GCHS are an embarrassment and were I a busiman serching for a new home for my company All it would take would be one look at either of those school to causse to to continue my search.
Too tired to go on,
I have to disagree with the last comment aboout Bridgeforth. It is one of the nicer of the OLD buildings in the county system. It needs windows replaced, new water pipes (to be hidden);looks like a dungeon inside. I do agree that we need to stop putting bandaids on many of our wounds, but where will the money come from to build new schools? WQe are SO far behind the area systems in facilities and technology equipment. When will we quit saying that if it was good enough for me when I was in school, it should be good enough now? That may have been 50 years ago. Think aobut how much has changed just in the last 10 years.
One thing that changed is smaller class size, higher cost and less educating. For goodness sakes there are kids having sex in GCHS rooms.
That wasn't happening when I went there. How times have changed. :) Less educating came about when education lost its importance and people devalued a good education. What changes would you make to see that education is once again valued by society? Let's hear a good and educated discussion without blaming a single person. Your turn....
10-10-10 12:50, when was the last time you entered Bridgeforth and looked around the building? Your comments are incorrect.
Student education has declined as teacher unions gained more and more power and replaced the emphasis from education to indoctrination and money. There is no discipline in the classroom and the teachers there basically are serving in a war zone.
It all starts at home.
Yep.
9:00
You are right about your assessment of the education system. That is exactly why so many of the older teachers have given up and are totally burned out. They have lost control of the classroom and are held accountable for things they shouldn't.
I personally know several Giles County teachers who are just trying to hang on and get this last year over. With the increased accountability and ridiculous paperwork involved and what seems to be a plan to get rid of tenure with all the evaluations beginning next year, I believe a lot of them will leave at the end of this school year. In fact, I KNOW FOR A FACT that several will.
9:00 AM If teachers are in a war zone, why are they not appreciated more than they are? Why are teachers so frowned upon by the public when they are only trying to make a difference? Schools are what the public and society makes them. If education is not important at homem it will not be important to the children when they are at school. Teaching started for me at home where my parents wanted me to get a good education. We need to get some parents to get on board to improve education.
When the parents are made to come sit in the classroom with their unruly kids then they will begin to require better behavior. If Damron would sentence every kids parents that appear before him to go to school for a couple of days things would change.
Many administrators do not want parents in "their" schools. Many of the teachers and administrators will not stand up to the students.
One day the administration will get wise and move JB Smith to be principal of GCHS.
I heard the other day that a parent showed up at one of our schools whose child had not been in school in four years. HE did not want to go to school. He eventually got his way and now is on homebound. This is the kind of stuff that is not right. That parent should lose her right to keep this child because down the road, we will be taking care of him, one way or another.
If every child was given that option there would be none in school. The cost of a homebound teacher is incredible. This was a really stupid decision made by a very weak person.
Two things;
Mr. Barrett, you should be more forthright in your reporting. Everything you have said here is true, however, you did not say that the money for these projects is already in the school board's hands. There is no added money being asked for by the taxpayer. Please in the future be totally factual. Elkton and Bridgeforth both have projects to be done, but they fall under the "All Schools" categories.
I have read everything said about the teachers in this blog, and it looks like the teachers are being blamed for what is happening to our children. Not so. The power has been stripped from our teachers, and they are not allowed to stand up to students or parents to defend their actions. Our teachers try to do an outstanding job, but it is difficult to do the job when you take away the tools the teachers need to do the job. Discipline begins at home. If a child does not get a good foundation at home then the teachers are just being shot in the foot at school.
6:44 Just had to take a shot at Barrett didn't you.
I agree with most of what you said, but you didn't need to be so hateful at Barrett for telling us the things that are to be done to the schools. A lot of people never realized how much it took to keep up the schools. People might be more understanding to where their taxes are going.
I would like to know why the child was given a home bound teacher. There could be a good reason there.
When it became CHILD ABUSE when parents and teachers whipped or spanked their children, our percentage of juvenile delinquency went up. Our government should have just punished the ones who carried punishment to the excess.
To 6:44
Sorry if you found my report lacking, perhaps you enjoyed the information that was reported on WKSR or in the newspaper more helpful and informative. Oh, they haven't reported anything yet have they.
I appreciate that you found the information factual. I believe that there was a section that was listed as "all schools". Should I have listed each of the other schools because someone couldn't understand that "all schools" was inclusive? If I had listed them separate would that have been acceptable since that was not the exact wording on the document?
You state, "Everything you have said here is true, however, you did not say that the money for these projects is already in the school board's hands. There is no added money being asked for by the taxpayer. Please in the future be totally factual".
Where do you think the money came from to operate the school system? Every penny comes from taxpayers and almost every penny is the result of either county, state or federal tax collections.
I didn't say if the money was paper or metal, I also didn't say what size shoes the Board Chairman wore to the meeting. If you want every detail there are plenty seats available, come fill one and make your own report.
Now if this sounds a bit sharp, good perception. What I write is totally factual. It may not be to your liking or as complete as you might prefer and if may at times include a bit of interpretation but it is always factual, far more factual that your statement that "you did not say that the money for these projects is already in the school board's hands. There is no added money being asked for by the taxpayer".
Since there is no way of knowing how accurate these estimates are at this time there is no way you can be sure that the money is already "fully" available, so I would suggest you be "fully factual" in the future. Also there was no board member at the meeting with a handful of cash to do these projects.
To 6:44
I agree with you about teachers being blamed for what’s happening with children in school, it is unfortunate but as usual the ones most visible or identifiable are the ones who get the blame for everything that is wrong.
I have very often said that the classroom teacher is a hero, under-appreciated and overly burdened. I also agree that “discipline begins at home” but the fact is very little discipline is taking place in many homes. I have often wondered why it is that many “educators” demand that "sex education" be conducted in schools because it’s not being done at home but they refuse to impose discipline at school because it should begin at home.
While teachers have been weakened in the past number of years they have not been stripped of all power many have simply found it easier, in the short run, to require nothing of the students and wait for their tenure and retirement. There are still good teachers who challenge their students and demand good behavior and respect from them. I was fortunate to teach at the alternative school for a couple of months and found that every student there responded exactly the way they were treated. I never had one problem that lasted more than a minute. I also substituted in other schools, before being unofficially black listed, and found the same situation. A bored student will find an outlet for their frustration, given some positive attention, respect and clear expectations most every child will respond more positively. Cold unfeeling gadgets at school are no different from a TV at home. Human involvement is the key to teaching and learning. I have yet to meet a teacher that said they got into teaching because of all the neat gadgets they got to play with, instead they say it was to make a difference in a child’s life, their love of the children, etc.
So what’s the problem? Classroom teachers are not given firm and proper support. Instead of feeling the administration has their backs many feel vulnerable with the administration behind their backs. I fully agree with an earlier writer that every student that creates a problem should be sent to court and Judge Damron sentence their parents to two days of sitting in each class with their child. Parents can be made to become involved but not by a disconnected community, it will require a united front and firm, couragous determination to stand against every threat.
Discipline should begin at home but when it doesn’t it must be imposed on the child and the parent at school just as on the street. Those who are being responsible deserve that consideration so they can get the education they want and the undisciplined deserve it so they can develop a greater self respect for themselves.
Mr. Barrett, you are absolutely correct, what you write is factual, but leaving facts out, means that information can be misconstrued. I am just pleasantly asking that in the fuuture you give allthe relevant facts. As far as you being sharp, I have a much thicker skin, so no offense is taken. Also, I do know where the money came from, my point, was that there is no additional money being asked for. If you read some of the other posts they were bringing up a wheel tax and worrying about taxes being raised for these repairs. I was stating that there are no additional taxes being requested. Thank you for the information you bring to us, it is appreciated.
To 12:01 I appreciate your response and the fact that your skin is thick enough not to be offended. I apologize for having been somewhat edgy with my original response. I guess a steady diet of criticism has made me a bit more defensive than I should be. Thank you again for not being offended.
wab
Your many criticisms are well-deserved. But of course, you can't see that, can you?
Let's hear a good and educated discussion without blaming a single person. Your turn....
This thread is all about the views on how to improve education and not about WAB or ANY other person. Educators all over need help; not just from adminstrators, but parents and the community. Let's keep this thread for once not about who wants to criticize ANY person. Please keep your comments as educated as possible. Thanks. I am interested in this topic and want to read GOOD educated responses and discussion.
No one knew how to make a good respond about education, so they stop posting.
I have to agree. I was hoping that a good, educated and non finger-pointing discussion could occur. I am disappointed.
Former school board member Kathy Norman told me about a year ago the school board had won a grant that would put new lighting in Bridgeforth Middle School's hallways. I work in that building. No new lighting to date. What happened to that grant?
The County Commission School Committee met tonight at the School Board Office.
Several commissioners attended and were involved in the discussion of the budget amendment proposed by the School Board for the proposed School Improvement Projects. One member of the committee Commissioner Terry Harwell was absent without even notifying the Chairman or other members he would not be there. Mrs. Coleman of the 7th District filled in. Only one citizen was present.
When I made the initial report on this subject I was accused of leaving out the amount and being somewhat deceitful by not stating that the money was already in the school board’s hands and no new money was being asked for. At the time the total; amount was not available with great certainty.
The total cost for the proposed projects is $1,153,156.27 from the school fund balance and $975,000.00 in Federal Funds that were part of the Congressional Jobs Bill. An interesting sidelight to this is that the $975,000.00 given by the Federal Government can only be used for personnel expenses but the same amount can be transferred out of personnel and used in any other area the Board chooses. It’s a smoke and mirrors game that will allow the liberal media to report that 313 jobs were saved in the Giles County School System. Is the $975,000.00 appreciated, of course it is as there are many long needed repairs that must be made?
There will be $1,655,000.00 fund balance left in the school budget thanks to the hard, serious work that was done by the last School Board who showed more fiscal restraint and openness than any School Board in recent memory, now if only the County Commissioners would follow that example.
One other thing that was discussed was the commitment by School Board Member Don Story to make available on a regular monthly basis a written report on the status of these projects.
wab
You just had to throw in that Mr. Harwell was absent, and that's really none of your business or mine. I am sure he had a valid reason.
Somewhat deceitful? I can't imagine ANYONE thinking you would be like that.
6:02
Since I had heard that Terry Harwell use to not be at a lot meeting, I'm glad to learn he's still not showing up. At least he didn't get paid, did he?
Decetiful is the person foaming at the mouth because Barrett told us about the meeting.
One of the issues in the election was that Terry didn't show up for committee meetings he was on. Terry said he never missed any meetings and Barrett said to check the records but Barrett was called a Liar and Harwell was reelected now he's proving Barrett was right and seems up to the same old things and that is our business. I own Barrett an apology because I believed Terry but I want make that mistake again.
Seems like Barrett has been right on several other things.
I have to agree with 9:15 Terry Harwell was challenged on his absenteeism before the election and I heard him say at the courthouse that he never missed a meeting. Now he misses the first committee he's on without a word to the chairman. Maybe Wab hasn't bee so wrong after all.
I think deceitful is more about lying about places you were seen and not about being absent form somehwere you probably should have been unless you had a valid reason.
To bad the person that started the big tale about Barratt being a Tunica didn't take a picture. If it had been true I think he would have.
If Barrett said he has nothing against gambling then why would he lie about being in Tunica. I believe that someone just made the whole thing up and the gossip spread like warm butter on bread because some are so desperate to get something on Barrett.
8:38
I believe NHC had something on barrett. I also believe he was seen at Tunica. Why on earth would someone just make both of those stories up. Both were VERY believable.
The sad reality is that I would believe both of those over anything wab might say to the contrary. And I have no first-hand knowledge of either situation.
As for what NHC had on barrett, Mr. Black's daughter was on the witness stand trying to tell it in court, but barrett's lawyer got that stopped. It was funny that she kept on talking and spilling the beans while his lawyer was having a fit.
8:55 based on where your head is and the darkness found there it's no wonder you would would say something as stupid as "The sad reality is that I would believe both of those over anything wab might say to the contrary. And I have no first-hand knowledge of either situation."
Only a fool would take the word of an unknown person about anything you have no personal knowledge of, regardless of who the known party might be. That shows a very big amount of prejudice on your part.
5:59 It's clear that you were not in the court are you would know that it was the judge that stopped the woman who was making a fool of herself by rambling on and on about something that no one could understand. It seemed that Barrett and his lawyer wanted her to continue because she was making a strong case for Barrett.
One thing I have been confused about is why has Barrett defended this woman on this blog?
Have any of you noticed how the one Barrett has called enable of wrong is always posting and spells Barrett as barrett. No matter how she trys to change it to make you think it's more than one person, we all know who she is.
And she's always around town, hearing things. Sounds like she likes gossip.
As one of the new commissioners attending this mornings meeting I was
very impressed with what Mr. Barrett had posted on this thread. Having read this thread I was not overwhelmed with how quickly this was presented and passed by the budget committee. Mr. Barrett is providing a service for the community and when the topics are actually followed without the bitter personal attacks everyone benefits.
wab
Is that you posting at 1:39?
If it was then you are Janet, 7:14.
You think everybody in Giles county think like you.
Do you even know what this sentence meant... "Mr. Barrett is providing a service for the community and when the topics are actually followed without the bitter personal attacks everyone benefits."
But you have to start a personl attack, so others will come back at you.
7:23
Sorry to disappoint you, pal. Combat vet and all male here. Doesn't your confusion about gender bother you a little bit?
Oh, I understood the sentence. The problem is that I so vehemently disagree with it. I believe barrett has been a blister on the heel of Giles County for many years now. I see him as nothing more than a troublemaker. Thank God, he is politically impotent.
If Barrett is politically impotent then you must be intelectually impotent.
8:19, you misspelled intellectually. Don't throw stones when you can't catch.
To 9:50 So now you, of all people are going to make spelling and grammer corrections.
Have you ever heard of someone real smart, but no common sense or horse sense?
Weez got it. Let dem mispel all da wand. Weez still gon bees right bout everthin. :)
Lawrence Co. School system employees will be getting a salary bonus after action by the school board on Tuesday night. The board voted 7-2 to distribute the funds that were freed up by the federal jobs bill. All employees will receive a bonus this year and the next two years. The board approved the proposal as laid out by Director of Schools Bill Heath. Principals and administrators will receive the largest salary bonus, but Dr. Heath said Lawrence County administrators still remain well below the state median average and make lag some 11,000 dollars per year behind neighboring Giles County. He said the bonus will move local administrators up the very bottom of the state’s pay scale to fourth from the bottom. The board hammered out final details of the bonus plan in a work session.
Yes, barrett is and shall always be politically impotent in Giles County. If he ever had any future aspirations for elected office, I feel confident that those opportunities have vanished now. Thank God!
There will be other elections 9:20 so there will always be a chance Barrett will over come his loss, their just ain't no way you will ever get any smarter.
I'm smart enough to know he's toast as far as Giles County politics go. Thank God.
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