Without a doubt, Superintendent Kevin Cotner continues to work hard to keep our schools updated and ready for the future. In a recent announcement, he shared an eagerly awaited update on the capital plan for the upcoming fiscal year. It has been a few months since the community received any news on this front, but the wait has proven worthwhile. The capital planning committee, consisting of dedicated board members, the technology director, facility director, stakeholders, and a former facility director, has diligently worked to determine the projects that will enhance our school district.
One significant step in this process was the evaluation of our facilities by an external source during the summer. This assessment has helped us identify areas where improvements are most needed, ensuring that our schools remain safe, comfortable, and conducive to learning. The resulting list of projects for this fiscal year promises to make a positive impact on our schools and community.
“After the Board heard the report from our facilities assessment, the capital planning committee met to determine the best way to spend the resources we were given,” Cotner shared. “The majority of the funds came from previously leveraged funds along with capital outlay and ESSER funding. We realized there are a lot of wants, but we feel we had to address the needs first. One of our focuses was to use the funds for projects that will benefit the District for years.”
The Projects Planned for This Fiscal Year:
- Randolph Elementary School Office Renovation/Self Contained Restroom: The renovation of the RES office and the installation of a self-contained restroom will provide a more welcoming and accessible environment for both staff and students.
- Repair of North End of Bibb County Career Academy Drive: Ensuring safe access to the BCCA campus is a priority, and repairing the north end of the drive will address any existing issues.
- Reroofing of BCCA: Protecting the structural integrity of our buildings is crucial. Reroofing the BCCA facility will prevent potential leaks and damage in the future.
- Paving Gravel Lot at West Blocton High School: Improving the parking situation at WBHS by paving the gravel lot will enhance safety and convenience for students, staff, and visitors.
- North and South End Bus Shops: Upgrading our bus maintenance facilities at both the north and south ends will contribute to the longevity and efficiency of our transportation services.
- Woodstock Elementary Restroom Renovations: Renovations at WES will improve restroom facilities for students, making them more modern and functional.
- West Blocton Elementary School Restroom Renovations: Similar to WES, WBES will also see restroom renovations, ensuring that our elementary students have access to high-quality facilities.
- Bibb County High School Band Room Renovations: The BCHS band room will undergo renovations to create an improved space for musical education, practice, and performances.
- BCHS Athletic Lighting: Enhancing the athletic facilities at BCHS with improved lighting will benefit our student-athletes and the community of spectators.
- Brent Elementary School Car Rider Access Road: The construction of a car rider access road at BES will alleviate traffic on McMillan Street, ensuring smoother drop-off and pick-up processes for parents and students.
These projects represent a significant investment in our schools and community, demonstrating our commitment to providing the best possible educational environment for our students.
Once these projects are completed, the estimated cost will be approximately $8.1 million for WBHS and $7.6 million for BCHS – an impressive total of $15.7 million in improvements for our schools since 2020. While these are substantial investments, they are vital to maintaining and improving the quality of education in our district. These capital improvements will not only enhance the physical infrastructure of our schools but also contribute to the overall well-being and success of our students.
Superintendent Kevin Cotner and the entire capital planning committee are dedicated to the continuous improvement of our school district. The projects planned for this fiscal year reflect our commitment to providing a safe, modern, and inspiring learning environment for our students. With these investments, we are paving the way for a brighter future for our schools, our community, and most importantly, our students.
