HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_1739 (2)3) Seek an immediate method of financing construction for grades 9 - 12. This funding plan
could provide for selected facility needs at the four existing high schools and allow for the
construction of a new high school to serve the Lake Norman area.
4) An emerging issue in the eastern section of the county may be caused by the relocation
of Hwy. 70. This roadway improvement could require a new elementary school in this area.
5) The school system has requested from the State a minimum advance of $3.260 million on
the State Bond projects in order to proceed with projects originally scheduled for the fourth year but
needed at this time due to student population growth. It appears the funds are not available. The
school system would like to immediately proceed with the projects by seeking a loan for these funds.
The projects scheduled to be funded are additional classrooms at Lake Norman Elementary, Mt.
Mourne Elementary, and Brawley Middle School. Long said borrowing funds for these projects,
at this time, would result in significant savings.
Long mentioned that his board had been turned down twice by the State for the $3.2 million.
The Raleigh officials will meet again in March. He mentioned the system had added 38 new
students since the Christmas holidays. Lake Norman has over 850 students.
Sinclair mentioned that consultants had advised that a "no frills" high school could be built
for $20 million.
Commissioner Fortner asked how much money would be needed for the educational park.
Dr. Sinclair said he could obtain an estimate and share at a future date. Commissioner Stewart noted
that educational parks were common in Virginia. Sinclair said it was a concept wherein vital areas,
e.g., parking could be shared by different facilities, especially since land in the southern end was
becoming more difficult to find.
Commissioner Stewart said she was disappointed that two facilities could not be placed on
the Hwy. 150 property. Long said the wet lands were a problem.
Commissioner Johnson asked how much land would be necessary for a combination school.
Sinclair said he had visited a site containing 40-50 acres; however, he was told it would take more
acreage.
Commissioners Fortner and Johnson said they would be glad to discuss the proposals in more
detail. Commissioner Stewart said the discussions should include the college's representatives.
Long said he would let the commissioners "drive the process."
Chairman Haire suggested that the school officials wait until March to see ifthe bond money
might be forthcoming. She mentioned that if the system was denied again that discussions could
then occur about the possibility of borrowing the money.
ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Haire adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday, January 20, 1998, 5:00 p.m. (Briefing) and 7:00 p.m. (Regular Meeting) at the Iredell
County Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
APPROVED: W 67
Clerk to the board
riles PloMinB xssion lin,ury t5, 1998