Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

By Wendy Ledbetter

The Prescott School Board heard a report Jan. 23 regarding the facilities plan for the coming years. The plan was presented by David Maxwell, director of support services for the school during a special meeting. The discussion was originally slated for the Jan. 16 board meeting, but was postponed due to an extended closed expulsion session.

The facilities plan is required by the state and the Prescott district has struggled to meet the state mandates. By current funding standards, about half the cost of specific projects will be paid by the state with the district picking up the remaining cost. Some projects, such as technology upgrades, dont qualify for the state match.

During the board meeting, Maxwell reminded the board that they recently approved three projects for this school year that qualify for state funding - one at each of the districts three campuses.

The plan calls for a new roof for the band and science room at McRae Middle School with an estimated cost of $2.500, and a new roof for the HPER gym at the Prescott High School with an estimated cost of $167,000. The remodeling of some restrooms at Prescott Elementary School is expected to cost just more than $100,000.

The plan also includes renovation work at Cummings Stadium with a cost of $8,000 and roof work on the concession stand with an estimated cost of $6,500. Maxwell said those two projects dont qualify for state money because they are non-academic.

Finally, technology upgrades and heating and airconditioning replacements are listed at $15,000 each. These projects also do not qualify for state funding, Maxwell said. Both are included on an annual basis for the foreseeable future. According to Maxwell heating and air units will be upgraded as needed.

On the subject of technology upgrades, Maxwell said some of the states recommendations have been eliminated from the districts facilities plan.

A fire alarm system at MMS is listed on the plan for the 2007-08 school year. That project is expected to cost around $250,000, but Maxwell said hes looking into a less expensive alternative that would piggyback on the existing intercom system, and said hell present that to the board as soon as he has the details.

Additional projects slated for next year include:

Sewer system repair at MMS - $44,500

ADA ramp at MMS - $7,500

Electrical work at MMS - $442,000

Flooring for PES activity center - $30,000

The plan covers projects all the way through 2016, though Maxwell reminded the board that the plan can be adjusted as needs and funding dictate.

There was no discussion of funding for the projects. Voters recently turned down a request for a millage increase to fund the facilities plan. The board approved a short-term loan to pay for the renovations in 2005-06.