The Andalusia Board of Education Monday appro-ved a five-year capital projects plan – a
construction wish list that carries a price tag of an estimated $5.45 million.
Su-perintendent Ted Watson told the board that while all the projects were important, the board could always amend the plan if there is a lack of funding.
School systems statewide are mandated by the state education department to outline desired capital improvements or construction plans every five years.
“This doesn’t tie us in to (doing any of these projects),” Watson said. “This forces school systems to look at facilities and prioritize what needs to be done in the years to come.”
Among the projects is the $2.5 million physical education facility at Andalusia High School, which will take about 11 months to complete once the board approves the final plans. It will be funded by using Qualified School Construction Bonds.
Watson also requested renovations of classrooms in the original high school building, which would include refinishing and repairing floors, replacing plaster walls, replacement of interior doors, replacement of windows and mechanical and electrical upgrades.
The project budget is estimated at $588,000.
Priority No.3 is a new air conditioning system at Andalusia Middle School’s gym, with an estimated cost of $125,000.
A project budget of $75,000 was set for the repaving of the transportation yard and adjacent facilities and the addition of fencing and security.
Watson also recommended that the central office complex, which is currently located on Sixth Avenue, be replaced with a project budget estimated at $415,000.
Rounding out the list is the addition of a softball field and supporting structures at the AHS campus, which is estimated at $150,000.
In addition, repairs are needed to the facade at AHS, which includes exterior brick repair, replacement and sealing; re-roofing and column repair as well as replacement of drains, downspouts, windows and doors. The project budget is estimated at $1.6 million, but no money is available yet.
“Funding may or may not be available for these other projects,” Watson said. “As soon as monies are made available from the state or bonds could be sold (we can do these projects).”