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The Simpson County School Board will meet Wednesday, July 20th at 12 noon to discuss several pending issues.
One of those issues is a recommendation to build a new field house at Mendenhall. According to County Superintendent Greg Paes, the present facility was built in the 70’s and is in need of upgrades. “We want our athletic field houses to be something our students and county can be proud of,” stated Paes. “Both Mendenhall and Magee are on the list for new field houses but we can’t build both at the same time,” continued Paes.
Talk in the Magee area has been a concern that the board would not approve a field house for Magee because of the codes (storm shelter) required by the city which would increase the price of a Magee High School Field House.
“I want both schools to get new field houses…we just can’t build them at the same time,” Paes explained. “Hopefully, one can be built this year and another next year…we just have to see how the money works out.”
Presently at both Magee and Mendenhall schools, the visiting teams are changing in gyms…. which are not always next to the field. The “old” Mendenhall Field House will house the 9th grade team and visiting teams.
The State Department of Education requires an architect for any building that will exceed $100,000. Three architectural firms have submitted bids which will be discussed at the Wednesday school board meeting. 2 out of the 3 bids list their fees at 6% of the project.
Other items for discussion at the meeting are (1) human resources, (2) Contract approval, (3) Proposed Mendenhall Field House, and (3) Capital improvements.
Now that the school board has a clearer understanding of Magee’s safety codes, the progression of a new field house should not cause the problems associated with the building of the new Magee Elementary.
Magee contributes the largest amount of money to the managing of all county schools due to income tax revenue.
If you’ve got questions, attend the meeting. If you can’t attend, comment on this article and I will forward the information to Paes.
The field house issue should not be a surprise to anyone…you’ve been informed!!!
