Published: November 18, 2008 05:07 pm            

Fayette BOE seeks proposals for facilities plan

FAYETTEVILLE — The Fayette County Board of Education voted 4-1 Monday evening to formally request proposals for architectural firms seeking to work on projects listed in the upcoming 10-year Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan that includes a new consolidated high school in the Plateau District.

The other board members overwhelmed Ppresident Dave Arritt’s opposition to seek “expressions of interest” from architectural firms “for all professional services including bond planning, design and construction administration” for the projects listed in the 2010-2020 CEFP.

The request includes projects within the proposed $48.8 million bond, as well as those preceding the adoption of the 2010 CEFP.

The work would encompass all services in accordance with the state School Building Authority and the state Board of Education Policy 6200, as well as provide the services of a state-registered architect and a recognized educational facilities planner as recognized by the Council of Educational Facility Planners International.

The county is already in the preliminary stages of developing its CEFP for 2010 through 2020. The current CEFP expires in two years.



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Board members voted 3-2 on Oct. 30 to accept Superintendent Chris Perkins’ recommendation to close four high schools in favor of a bond-financed new high school to be built in the Plateau District.

With Arritt and board member Steve Bush voting in opposition, the other board members agreed to support Perkins’ proposal to close Fayetteville High School, Midland Trail High School, Mount Hope High School and Oak Hill High School.

Board vice president Leon Newman and Leon Ivey joined James “Jock” Workman in supporting Perkins.

The concept came to the forefront Oct. 30 because a deadline loomed Nov. 3 with the SBA for the submission of any needs projects.

A $48.8 million school construction bond issue would have to be approved by Fayette County voters for the consolidation to go forward.

The county currently uses 21 school facilities. Perkins explained last month that, should the bond issue pass, the county’s tally of facilities would be reduced to 16, with Collins Middle School and Mount Hope Elementary School also closing their doors.

The county and state would also undertake millions of dollars in renovations at other Fayette County schools, Perkins emphasized.

Perkins called his October proposal “a draft that would take us into the 21st century and beyond.”

Perkins explained at the Oct. 30 meeting that the SBA, after receiving Fayette County’s request, would review all such applications from throughout West Virginia. The SBA will likely make its decision next March, and the bond would be voted on by county residents next summer or fall.

— E-mail:

mhill@register-herald.com

        

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