HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_0193County & Pasquotank County Schools), and they were using the cash flow method. He then
summarized a 26 -page handout, some of which is as follows:
• Growth predictions indicate there will be 25,000 students by 2013-14
• Current costs for modular units is $400,000 a year
• A modular or mega unit was placed at North High eight years ago. At that
time, it could have been purchased for $200,000.00, instead, it was leased and
to date, rental payments have been $330,000. In addition, when the unit is
removed, the owner will charge $18,000.
• West High School has so many mobile units, it is known as "mobile home
village"
• Monticello Cafeteria has asbestos the (A replacement school using the
Third Creek Elementary prototype is recommended.)
• Hallways at Statesville High School are not large enough. The system has to
purchase expensive insurance due to the fire marshal stating the hallways
are not adequate for a student body of 1400.
Dr. Holliday also presented a handout that illustrated the difference between maintenance
costs for an older building versus a new structure. Some points listed in the handout are as
follows:
• Monticello Elementary comprises i I acres and approximately 42,400 sq. ft.
compared to Lakeshore Elementary at 30 acres (total site is 60 acres)
and 99,000 sq. ft.
• Statesville Middle comprises 14 acres and approximately 68,000 sq. ft. of
space (includes mobile units) compared to Lakeshore Middle at 30 acres
(total site of 60 acres) and approximately 110,000 sq. ft.
• Statesville High comprises 26 acres and approximately 133,000 sq. ft. of
space (includes mobiles) compared to Lake Norman High at 60 acres and
approximately 210,000 sq. ft.
Dr. Cash said the school board and staff, along with the facilities task force, had tried
prioritize the needs. Cash requested that politics be set aside and for everyone to look at the
interests of the students.
Dr. Wilson said that on the positive side for the system, there were many volunteers
working to improve the schools, and there were "super" teachers. He asked for the
commissioners to look towards the future.
Parker said that since 1990, the school system had spent 51% of its total funding of
$138.75 million (major construction projects) in the Lake Norman region. He said the students
who were in need of improved facilities were the 50% that didn't fall into any specific funding
bracket. Parker said ten percent of the students were receiving extra funding through the
Academically Gifted Programs, the Honors Programs, or the Advanced Placement Programs.
He said the remaining 40% received extra funding from state and federal programs such as the
"No Child Left Behind," or the "More at Four" initiatives. Parker said it was the students in the
middle, or the 50%, who would eventually fill the local jobs and purchase homes. He said it was
everyone's responsibility to have jobs ready for these students. Mr. Parker said the schools
could continue to be assisted in a piecemeal fashion, or the commissioners could accept the
opportunity and do something great. He said the Iredell-Statesville System could be one of the
top ten units in the state. Parker said some of the schools did not have curb appeal, and this
deterred people from moving near them. He said economic development occurred when there
were appealing schools.
Chairman Johnson acknowledged that most of the discretionary money had been spent in
the southern end. He said, however, that according to statistics from the U.S. Census, the
Davidson Township had increased in population by 115% from 1990 to 2000. Johnson said that
in addition, Coddle Creek had increased by 42%. He said it was projected that between 2000-
2020, Davidson would increase in population by 135%, Coddle Creek by 83%, Fallstown by