Local school board members reminded themselves Tuesday that it’s time to get serious about making plans for future student growth.
Members of the Hamilton County Board of Education’s Facilities Committee all agreed that the school system is about to get hit with an influx of students for which it’s simply not prepared.
“My fear is that we’re going to be caught so far behind,” said Gary Waters, assistant superintendent of auxiliary services, during a presentation to the committee. “We obviously don’t have a crystal ball … but it’s very clear that we’re going to experience growth that is unprecedented.”
Mr. Waters’ biggest concern is schools in the eastern end of the county that are either at or over capacity, including Westview, Apison and East Brainerd elementary schools. Growth from the new Volkswagen auto plant will exacerbate the issue, he said.
“I, personally, am appalled that we had to put portables at Westview,” he said. “That’s still a new school.”
The school opened in the fall of 2000.
Mr. Waters also mentioned the need for rezoning around schools such as Ganns Middle Valley, Falling Water, Alpine Crest, DuPont and Rivermont elementary schools.
Board members agreed that Chairman Kenny Smith, who did not attend the meeting, needed to schedule a joint work session with the board and the County Commission to discuss building plans.
Because County Commissioner Warren Mackey was the only commissioner who showed up at the last joint meeting, board member Linda Mosley suggested that each board member call his or her commissioner and encourage them to attend.
To try to speed up the facilities process, Mr. Waters suggested the board could have an architect design new schools on the board’s wish-list, so they would be ready for bids as soon as bond money became available to build them.
Discussion of new schools came during Mr. Waters’ presentation of recommended building projects for next school year. Traditionally, Mr. Waters has been given about $4 million each year to address capital needs.
Recommendations for the 2010-11 year include 30 school-specific and districtwide projects, including asbestos removal and a partial roof replacement at the Center for Creative Arts.
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