Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, October 13, 1995 TAG: 9510130084
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Roanoke County needs to spend nearly $50 million in the next five years on school buildings, computers and instructional equipment to ease overcrowding, upgrade safety and keep pace with new educational technology, according to a plan submitted to the School Board on Thursday night.
School officials have developed a five-year capital improvement plan that includes $33.5 million for building improvements; $12.1 million for instructional equipment; $3.2 million for buses and other vehicles; and $550,000 for land.
The plan includes funds to enhance all county schools, but the amounts vary substantially.
It includes $5.5 million for a new elementary school in the Bonsack community; $4.1 million for an addition to William Byrd High School; $1.7 million for an addition to Burlington Elementary School; and $1.5 million for the renovation of Fort Lewis Elementary School.
Marty Robison, executive assistant for county schools, said the plan does not include money for a proposed new Cave Spring High School or two smaller schools and middle school improvements in Southwest County.
Consultants are studying elementary, middle and high school needs in that area. They have estimated that the proposed middle and high school facilities could cost up to $38 million.
Until the study is finished and the School Board decides which option to approve, Robison said the final cost estimate for the facilities in Southwest County won't be known.
But this amount would be added to the county's other school needs, he said. The total figure could approach $90 million.
A county general obligation bond issue likely will be required to help pay for the high school and middle school improvements in Southwest County.
School Board Chairman Jerry Canada said funds for some improvements in other areas of the county could be added to a bond issue for the Cave Spring project, helping to generate support.
"This report has given us lots of avenues to explore. The Board of Supervisors may want to include some of these other projects in a bond issue, such as the proposed Bonsack school and the Burlington addition," Canada said.
"That could help gain support for a bond issue," he said.
Michael Stovall, the Vinton District member, said the Bonsack area east of Vinton is growing rapidly, and the need for a school in that community is "coming to the forefront."
Board member Frank Thomas said the plan "will show the Board of Supervisors what we need over the next five years."
School officials want to convey that school needs extend beyond the aging and overcrowded Cave Spring High and Cave Spring Junior High in Southwest County.
The county has focused on funding several other major capital projects in recent years, such as the Spring Hollow Reservoir, Smith Gap Landfill and park improvements.
Some school projects have been delayed because school officials were aware of other financial demands on the county. But school officials hope the county can now help fund many of the improvements.
Superintendent Deanna Gordon said not all the money for the needed educational technology will have to come from the county. She said the state has been helping to fund technology for schools, and she hopes that will continue.
This year, the county will receive a $667,025 state technology grant for elementary school libraries and computer networking of schools.
The plan includes $8.4 million for computers, printers, laser discs and other technology. The county hopes to provide one computer for every five students.
Robison said the five-year plan includes funds for replacing old band instruments and reconditioning other musical equipment. Band leaders say many instruments are in poor condition.
by CNB