Board approves capital plan, slimmed-down reno at Bob Jones

SKT Architects prepared the $20,474,795 renovation for Bob Jones High School. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – A scaled-down renovation at Bob Jones High weighed heavily at the Madison Board of Education’s Sept. 24 meeting.

The board approved a revised renovation plan at $20,474,795, a major component in the five-year capital plan for fiscal years 2014-2018.Christine Jones with SKT Architects compared Bob Jones’ original $36-million plan to the firm’s alternative. “We were tasked for a smaller budget in a shorter timeframe,” Jones said.

Updates to infrastructure will be a huge undertaking with new sprinklers, electrical service and piping. The new plan retains the entrance with welcome center, administration and guidance offices and enhanced safety features. In the existing courtyard, a wide concourse will connect the main building and cafeteria.

The approved renovation eliminates the ‘learning village’ with 30 ‘portables’ or mobile classrooms, priced at $400,000. A new, competition-level gym was scrapped, but the existing main gym will be updated with coliseum-style seating and new lobby, concessions and rest rooms.

Classrooms will see mechanical renovation with new lighting, ceilings, paint and floors. The auditorium will receive theatrical lighting, dimming and curtains.

Bob Jones Principal Robby Parker confirmed the renovation “addresses student needs, community needs and helps us with sustainability of Bob Jones.” Bids will open in March 2014. Construction will start in June 2014 and require 15 months.

Director of Operations Patrick Conner said the capital plan includes three more priorities:

* $1.5 million for land purchase for a new elementary school.

* $3 million for a 25-meter “swim barn” for practices and meets to be built near the Central Office on Celtic Drive.

* $300,000 for resurfacing tracks at Bob Jones.

Some campuses will have new HVAC units, roofs and paving. BRAC funding of $28.7 million will pay the bulk of capital improvements.

In other business, Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler explained an agreement with A+ College Ready. The goal is 10-percent increases for both advanced placement enrollment and qualifying scores, along with increasing AP classes. Students with qualifying scores on AP exams will receive a $100 VISA gift card from A+.