March 26, 2003 - Current Status - Putnam County Schools

Putnam County School Board activity has been relatively quiet; the board has been dealing with the basic day-to-day operational policy issues that most public schools tend to have. No Child Left Behind mandates are consuming school administrators' time and will no doubt consume precious dollars.

Facilities continue to erode and there is not much immediate help in sight; the recent bond call failed, it would have provided $20.5 million dollars for expansions, renovations, replacement of George Washington Middle and a new elementary school in Teays Valley.

There have been some discussions to attempt another bond call this spring; however, Sid Linville, President of the Putnam County School Board, said "Due to the overall economic outlook, the bond call will probably have to wait awhile".

The school board is moving forward with rebuilding of the George Washington Middle School - the main building was destroyed by fire. Classes are currently being held in a free standing addition and a number of portable classrooms brought in after the fire. The board has held $3 million dollars it received from an insurance settlement related to the fire, in a special building account. The total estimate for rebuilding the school is approximately $4.5 million.

A committee of school administrators, teachers, parents and other interested parties are currently working on plans for the new building. The board hopes that the SBA will provide the additional funds needed to complete the school. In the event that those monies are not forthcoming the board will still proceed with the construction. The board estimates that 5 needed classrooms will have to remain in portables until additional funds are available.