School districts await final funding amounts

Educators across the state are trying to determine how best to spend their share of a $850 million bond issue proposed by Gov. Bob Riley.

The money is to be used for capital projects in public school districts.

Across the Shoals, there are several projects under way and more that can be completed once the money is issued later this year.

School officials are still not sure how much money their systems would receive, but most are looking at their five-year capital outlay plans.

The amount of money the systems receive depends on several factors, including how much money goes to colleges and universities.

Franklin County schools Superintendent Bill Moss said he has heard figures as high as a 60-to-40 split, but others, including Lawrence County Superintendent Dexter Rutherford, has heard more of a 71 percent to 29 percent split with the majority going to K-12 schools.

Whatever amount is awarded will be welcome, Lauderdale County schools Superintendent William Valentine said.

The Lauderdale County system expects to receive approximately $8 million that would enable them to work on instructional areas such as classroom wings and libraries.

"It will be a great shot in the arm," Valentine said. "The last bond issue we got several years ago was about three or four million dollars so this will help us a lot."

Lawrence County officials had originally hoped the bond issue would have been large enough to allow them to move forward with a consolidation plan. But, Rutherford said the system is expecting anywhere from $5 million to $8 million that could be used for a number of things.

"We are delighted to get what we can, and we will use it the wisest way possible," he said, pointing to major repairs needed at Moulton Middle School, Hatton, Hazlewood and Speake schools.

Moss said he expects a major portion of the expected $2 million to $3 million the system could receive to be used on indebtedness on ongoing projects such as the construction of a new Tharptown High School.

Colbert County schools Superintendent Billy Hudson said he would soon start looking at the needs in the system, but he expects some roof repairs to be made at several schools.

Tuscumbia Superintendent Royce Massey said he's confident his district will get money from the bond issue but the question is, how much.

"There's always plenty to be done in the way of capital improvements, but as far as having a definite plan, we can't until we know exactly what we're getting," Massey said. "The most pressing need in our district is to get more classrooms at G.W. Trenholm. This money would certainly go toward that building project."

In Muscle Shoals, the district is in the midst of strategic planning to accommodate future growth.

"We're looking at developing the most effective structure for the district, whether that's to combine some schools or leave it as it is," said Superintendent Jeff Wooten.

Sheffield Superintendent Richard Gardner said it's too soon to make plans for money that hasn't been appropriated. Still, he's optimistic that the bond issue will come through.

In Florence, officials have plans for their district's portion of the bond money, including the long-awaited new science facilities at Florence High School. Plumbing and roofing projects also are slated.

Russellville city schools Administrative Assistant Don Cox said all buildings in the system are in good shape right now.

"We will target the things on our capital plan," Cox said. "Right now, air conditioning our two gyms is the top priority. We may also look at doing some paving and curbing and some roof repairs."

Cox said several renovations have been made in recent years, but the bond money is always welcome.

"It will certainly be an asset to everyone," he said.

Jonathan Willis can be reached at 332-0140 or jonathan.willis@timesdaily.com.

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@timesdaily.com.