Newton County Schools details projects tied to next capital measure, highlighting elementary renovations and stadium upgrades

A staff member for Newton County Schools summarized the district's past capital investments and outlined planned projects under the district's next capital measure, referred to in the transcript as "East Bloss 6." "For 25 years, Newton County Schools have benefited from strong community support through the passage of 6 consecutive East Los Referendums," the speaker said, crediting the referendums with enabling transformational projects across the district.

The statement said prior measures funded several new school buildings and conversions, including what the speaker described as making "the new Eastside High School a reality" and repurposing the former Eastside building as the Newton County Steam Academy, which the speaker called a space "where innovation and hands on learning thrive." The speaker also listed non-construction investments funded by the referendums: new buses, roof repairs and systemwide safety upgrades including security cameras, intercoms and emergency notification systems in every school.

Looking ahead to "East Bloss 6," the speaker identified two major initiatives. The first is a significant transformation at East Newton Elementary: interior renovations including new flooring and ceilings, upgraded energy-efficient lighting, a modernized media center with flexible technology areas, updated front office and art classroom support, a new security vestibule and a campus-wide fire sprinkler system. The speaker added site improvements such as repaved walkways and parking areas, upgraded playgrounds and a redesigned car-rider drop-off area aimed at smoother, safer arrival and dismissal.

The second initiative focuses on athletic facilities across three high schools (listed in the transcript as "Newton, Alcovey, and Eastside High Schools") and five middle schools. The staff member said each high school would receive an 8,500-square-foot field house with four locker rooms and a fully equipped weight room, new home and visitor concession and restroom buildings, and a 1,200-square-foot storage facility. Stadium upgrades were described as artificial turf fields, enhanced bleacher seating for about 3,000 spectators (2,000 on the home side, 1,000 for visitors) and refurbished track surfaces.

The speaker emphasized stewardship and transparency, saying the district has expanded public reporting for capital projects through an "East Bloss project tracker," enhanced reporting, monthly board notes and detailed updates at Board of Education meetings so the community "can clearly see the impact of their investment." The transcript contains a few inconsistent spellings and references for this program (see clarifying details); the district statement repeatedly used the phrase "East Bloss 6" when describing the next round of projects.

The transcript records this prepared statement but does not document a motion, vote or Board of Education action on the measure. The statement closed by thanking the community for prior support and saying East Bloss 6 "is building a strong and vibrant future for every student in Newton County."