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County executive tells school board sale proceeds should fund school facility needs
Summary
County Executive David Morgan told the Lawrence County School Board the state approved the sale of a college building to Columbia State Community College and that the county expects to recover its original investment; he said nearly $12 million in bond proceeds and maintenance-of-effort increases have already supported district priorities and that funds from the sale could be used for capital projects.
County Executive David Morgan addressed the Lawrence County School Board on March 26, thanking board members for partnership and outlining how county-level funding is supporting schools and could support upcoming capital needs.
Morgan said the county and school district have worked together to invest in teacher pay, mental-health supports and athletic facilities, noting that those efforts have been funded “through nearly $12 million in bond proceeds and through our continued maintenance of effort increases.” He described the county–school relationship as cooperative and said the county will continue to prioritize investments that support students.
On the disposition of a local college building, Morgan told the board that a state committee approved the sale of the building to Columbia State Community College and that the sale documents are now at the state budget office. “We’re kind of waiting on that next step,” he said, adding that Lawrence County and partner municipalities are expected to receive back their original investments and “maybe just a few hundred thousand more” per entity. He acknowledged an outstanding district bond of roughly $1.6 million and said his goal is to persuade county commissioners to direct sale proceeds back into school facilities.
Board members asked for a timeline. Morgan said he expects movement once the legislative session wraps up and that he is pressing state representatives and the senator to help move the funds: “Hopefully by the time the session is over … we’ll be getting a check here soon.”
Morgan also framed the district’s investments as responses to community needs, citing a recent funeral and the need for counseling and mental-health supports in schools. He thanked the board for prioritizing students and said the county wants to support projects such as outdoor play areas and other facility improvements.
What’s next: Morgan said he will press county commissioners and state representatives to expedite distribution of sale proceeds and asked to coordinate closely with the school district before funds are allocated.
