Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 16, 1995 TAG: 9505160075
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In the next five years, Roanoke's schools should spend $43 million on equipment and major building projects to meet mounting needs, according to Richard Kelley, assistant superintendent for operations.
To do it, the school system will need $16.25 million in bond funds - a $12 million bond issue in 1997 and $4.25 million in 1999.
The rest of the money would come from funds already available, state Literary Fund loans, year-end surpluses and other sources.
The School Board has approved the five-year plan and sent it to the city for inclusion in the planning for bond referendums.
Here's how the money would be spent:
Middle school renovations: Slightly more than half of the money, $22.5 million, would be spent to renovate four middle schools: Stonewall Jackson next year; Breckinridge in 1997; Woodrow Wilson in 1998; and Addison in 1999.
Money for the Jackson renovation, $5.5 million, already is available. Work is scheduled to begin in mid-June.
Some residents in Southeast Roanoke are protesting the plan to tear down part of the Jackson building and say they will ask City Council to halt the demolition.
Classroom expansions: While no major improvements are scheduled at the city's two high schools during the next five years, Kelley said the schools must begin preparing for that.
The School Board's Long-Range Planning Committee is studying the condition of Patrick Henry and William Fleming high schools. Serious consideration must be given to renovation and modernization of the schools, which will be almost 40 years old in the year 2000, Kelley said.
No new schools will be needed to accommodate projected growth in enrollment, but the school system will face expenses because of small increases in students.
Enrollment for this year is 12,850; it is expected to increase to 13,135 by 2000. No major facility expansion is required. But the school system says that, as a result of elementary school enrollment growth, $150,000 to $200,000 will be needed for each of the next five years for classroom alterations to meet class-size standards.
This fall, classrooms will be added at four elementary schools: three each at Fallon Park and Garden City, and two each at Morningside and Crystal Spring. Modular buildings will be added at Fallon Park, Garden City and Morningside. A prefabricated building will be erected at Crystal Spring.
Computers and technology: The schools need to spend $9 million on computers and technology in the next five years, Kelley said. They now have one computer for every 10 students, and the schools want to reduce the ratio to one computer for every five students in five years.
While the city has obtained federal magnet school funds to improve technology in selected schools, approximately two-thirds of the city's schools lack adequate funds for new technology.
High-tech information technology is required for school library-media centers to allow students access to modern methods of research. Improvements are needed at the library-media centers at three elementary schools - Garden City, Grandin Court and Preston Park - at a cost of $200,000.
Air conditioning:: The plan calls for the replacement of obsolete air-conditioning systems at several schools and the addition of air conditioning at 12 elementary schools not scheduled for renovation within the next five years. That will cost $9.8 million.
Kelley said air conditioning will improve the learning environment and allow all schools to operate year-round programs. The project will require the installation of insulation and energy-efficient window systems along with the upgrade of electrical circuits.
Gymnasiums: The five-year plan calls for the construction of gymnasiums at Fairview and Fishburn Park elementary schools. Each would cost $500,000 and be financed with a bond issue.
Asbestos removal: Nearly $500,000 would be spent on the removal of asbestos from the middle schools during renovation.
Fire alarms: The schools that are not scheduled for renovation in the next five years need upgraded fire alarm systems, at a cost of $120,000, Kelley said. These are Garden City, Grandin Court, Fairview, Fishburn Park, Huff Lane, Hurt Park, Lincoln Terrace and Roanoke Academy of Math and Science.
by CNB