AHS improvements on 5-year plan

Published 1:33 am Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Andalusia City Schools on Monday approved a $5.75 million five-year capital plan, which board officials said is similar to last year’s plan.

The capital plan includes:

• $3.25 million for additions at Andalusia High School and $1.75 million for additions at Andalusia Elementary School. Both projects are attributed to the board’s decision to close Andalusia Middle School and move sixth grade students to the elementary school and seventh and eighth graders to the high school. Funds have already been secured for this project and Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood has been named the architectural firm for the project.

Superintendent Ted Watson said Monday that an architect for the firm will soon meet with AMS science teachers about what they want and need for science labs in the new buildings. Watson said the project is on schedule to let bids in at the beginning of 2013. Plans are to open the new wings in fall 2014.

• $50,000 for roofing projects at AHS and $100,000 for roofing projects at AES;

• $500,000 for renovations at AHS, and;

• $100,000 for renovations at the Andalusia City Board of Education.

The funding source for this project is unknown.

Board president Dr. Bill King said five-year plans are required by the state, and the projects will be completed as funds become available.