Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 6, 1994 TAG: 9412010026
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W16 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NEW CASTLE LENGTH: Medium
The county had 40 more students than officials had expected to enroll this year, bringing enrollment to 715.
As a result, Superintendent Dallas Helems told school board members Tuesday that they would be wise to begin planning to handle future increases. The 40 extra pupils, he said, has taken all of the schools' extra space at Craig's two schools - McCleary Elementary and Craig County High.
Helems suggested the board start on several previously discussed capital improvement projects.
But, a greater dilemma, Helems said is a lack of money. Helems said the school board has debts of $185,000, and the county board of supervisors does not have funds for a big building program.
However, Helems said a building program will have to be dealt with sooner or later to get more classrooms and labs for vocational and computer classes. Also, Helems said, office space in the schools and the central office is getting crowded.
McCleary needs four more classrooms now, Helems said. There is no space for a computer lab at a time when that program is growing. Vocational shops need expanding, he added.
The cafeteria that serves both schools is operating at capacity, he said. He suggested that building a new cafeteria and using the old one as classrooms would solve some space problems.
James Cady, chairman of the school board, suggested trying to find resource people - architects, engineers, construction people - to suggest possible programs.
And, Helems said he would get principals and department heads to figure how much space they will need in the next few years.
The board hopes to have that data by its meeting in November.
by CNB