School board plans building projects

By Staff
Thomas Tingle
Record Managing Editor
A bevy of construction projects will soon be under way for the Madison City School system – most of which will be completed during the next two years.
Two projects include a new elementary school on Balch Road and a $3 million addition to Discovery Middle School.
Also, with a school system growing by as many as 300 to 350 new students each year, Superintendent Dr. Henry Clark said rezoning for grades K-9 for the 2004-2005 school year is expected.
Ground will be moved any day for a multi-purpose stadium that will be located behind the Spencer Square shopping center off Madison Boulevard. Adjacent to the stadium will be a new central office and teacher resource center.
"Bids have been let for the construction of the new stadium and it will be built in three phases," Clark said. "The first phase will include clearing the site for the bleachers. The second phase will be parking and lighting. The third phase will include the construction of the out buildings."
Clark said completion of the new stadium is expected by mid to late September this year.
"We are previewing the plans for our new central office and teacher resource center and bids will be let at a later date," Clark said.
The superintendent said Pearce Construction came in as the low bidder to construct a $3 million, 20-classroom addition and band room at Discovery Middle School. Clark said that project would be completed before the opening of the 2004-2005 school year.
Land on Balch Road has been purchased for the construction the city's sixth elementary school. Clark said that project would also be completed before the opening of the 2004-2005 school year.
"Plans are now under way for this project and we can expect to see a ground breaking ceremony held in the next 30 days," Clark said. "We are looking at constructing a building similar in nature to our newest elementary school, Rainbow, so that will help in lessening the time it will take to draw up the plans."
Clark said with budget cuts expected next year, construction of these projects will not be affected.
"It will be a busy two years for our school system and an exciting time as well," Clark said. "We've got a growing school system and a number of projects planned to keep up with the growth. While our budget is expected to take a hit due to proration next year, we will be able to move forward with these construction projects."