Consultants presented three options and cost estimates to the Greenwood Leflore Consolidated School Board Wednesday for using funds from a proposed bond issue.
The Memphis-based P3 consulting firm spoke during the board’s work session. This is the second time the group has addressed the board; this time it brought more concrete figures.
The first option listed totaled about $191.5 million and would include a new high school, a new lower elementary school and a new upper elementary school as well as a revamp to Greenwood Middle School and the conversion of Greenwood High School into an administration building.
The second option would cost about $167 million and would involve refurbishing nine schools, adding a new high school and converting Greenwood High to an administration building.
This option, however, had some errors. Dr. Ro’Shaun Bailey, the board’s vice president, pointed out that it listed refurbishing all three of the high schools and also building a new one.
According to a survey last year, respondents preferred using the bond funds to build a new consolidated high school.
After clarifying that the refurbishments of the three schools — Leflore High, Greenwood High and Amanda Elzy — would not be needed because the new high school would replace them, the figure was around $47 million less.
The third option would cost about $111 million. It did not include construction of a new school but rather renovating 12 schools already in the district, including the three high schools.
The firm also added that any renovation and construction would be done with methods and materials to make each building as eco-friendly as possible.
“When we were first introduced, I was very optimistic, but now as I look at these figures, I’m scratching my head,” Bailey said. He also asked if athletic facilities were included in the figures. The representatives said they were.
No action was taken. If the board decides to pursue a bond issue, it would require approval by 60% of the voters in Leflore County.
These are the newest figures presented to the board. Multiple architectural and consulting firms have appeared before the board to offer figures and estimates for the project.
The board has listened to the proposals but has taken no action.
The board also went into a closed-door executive session to discuss the job performance of an employee.
- Contact Adam Bakst at 581-7233 or abakst@gwcommonwealth.com. On Twitter at @AdamBakst_GWCW.
