GRAVETTE — Whether to revamp the old Gravette High School building or construct baseball fields on the new high school campus or whether to do both or none is the question Gravette School Directors are facing.
The question of revamping the old school building, constructed some 40 years ago, which joins the middle school complex or considering a new design was a contentious topic at a meeting of the board last Thursday night.
Plans for remodeling the older facility have involved discussions for months and board member Jim Hendren reminded the board a lot of time and money have been invested in planning to remodeland restructure the building for future use.
His comments came after a possible plan, removing the structure and erecting a new, more modern building, surfaced within the past few weeks. That plan, as does the olderstructure, would connect to the new music building just being completed.
Hendren also noted the new plan had not processed through or been endorsed by the Building Facilities Committee, which he chairs.
Both plans would provide space for additional usage to complement that division of the school.
Consensus Reached
A consensus was reached, after about 45 minutes of back and forth discussions, primarily between Hendren and fellow board member Jack Skillett. Both agreed in principal that a decision must be made on the board’s course of action. The primary difference involved the declining district revenue stream caused by the nation’s faltering economy and how that will affect future district plans.
At stake, Skillett reminded, is that stimulus funds are available to continue with the project coupledwith the availability of bond funds through a nointerest loan.
Board member Dan Yates echoed the expected potential revenue decrease, particularly through an upcoming reassessment of county properties which could further erode the district’s cash flow for operating/bond payment obligations.
Marion Harris echoed caution as the discussion ebbed and a tacit conclusion was that consulting the district’s bond counsel and seeking additional information is needed before further steps are taken.
Academic Priority
Originally, the board had indicated both the building and field projects could be pursued but a minor consensus indicated the building project has the highest priority.
Skillett noted that the primary emphasis must be to focus on the academic needs of the district.
News, Pages 1 on 07/21/2010