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Board approves Macon Middle School track design; schools flag overcrowding, repairs and grant applications
Summary
Commissioners approved design work for the Macon Middle School track and heard school leaders outline facility needs — from a $2,000 Nantahala wastewater assessment to amplifier and HVAC repairs, overcrowding at East Franklin Elementary and grant applications for Highlands.
Commissioners approved design work for a new track at Macon Middle School and heard a range of school facility and operations needs during the Feb. 8 budget work session.
Emily Kite of LS3P said the design work for the Macon Middle School track will cost $55,200; she estimated a construction bid of about $850,000 and provided a schedule showing plans and specs due in late March, bidding in early May and completion by Aug. 23, 2024. The board approved moving forward on the design and solicitation; Finance Director Lori Carpenter said the design and construction will be funded from a school budget overage identified as a K‑12 athletic grant.
Superintendent Josh Lynch outlined other priorities for FY25, including Cartoogechaye gym air conditioning and an amplifier system, Highlands School work, a proposed Franklin High School project, and a $2,000 initial land assessment for a Nantahala wastewater unit. Lynch said East Franklin Elementary is facing overcrowding and that the district is exploring a five‑year plan, options to move Pre‑K into the Bartram building and redistricting. He also said the district is pursuing grants for an agricultural barn renovation at the Higdon property (a local match of $200,000) and applying for funds to support Macon Early College renovations to improve security and add a food line.
School maintenance director Tracy Tallent said the odor at Macon Middle School had not been detected in several months and staff believe the issue has been fixed. Auxiliary services director Todd Gibbs confirmed multiple amplifier systems need attention at Middle School, MVI and Franklin High School; commissioners called the amplifier work an emergency and asked staff to obtain quotes.
Project coordinator Jack Morgan said he was working to install a communications repeater and expected to provide clarification by the Feb. 13 meeting. The board discussed treating some repairs as urgent and prioritized obtaining cost estimates and scopes of work so they could be considered in the FY25 budget.
