School work moves forward

By JUSTIN HARMON/Staff

The county’s school system has had its eye on a number of renovations and additions to schools dotted around the county.
The first real step in getting those improvements finished has already been taken.
According to Washington County School Superintendent Dr. Alan Lee, a special meeting of the Washington County School Board was called on Dec. 17 to discuss the bids for phase one of the county-wide construction project. At the meeting, the low bidders were awarded the contracts and, according to Lee, construction can now begin any time.
While Lee said that he hasn’t been in contact with the construction companies since the initial bid awarding, he said that both the school system and the companies want to get started as soon as possible to avoid any cost increase in construction materials that is expected near the first of the year.
“The cost has increased over the years because of inflation,” said Lee.
Weather, according to Lee, is one of the biggest factors in construction schedules, but Lee said that if the weather continues to be as mild as it is, construction could speed along without too much difficulty.
According to Washington County Schools Director of Facilities and Logistics Lawrence Bauer in a previous interview, the improvements are meant to help the schools come up to the standards set in the No Child Left Behind act as well as a number of other factors.
According to Lee, one of those factors is student growth.
Washington County schools normally see growth of about 25 new students each year, according to Lee.
“When you spread that over 15 school sites, it’s not a great impact,” he said.
However, this year the schools saw a jump of around 75 new students. Lee said that it’s hard to predict what the future holds.
The two-phase improvement plan has been in the works for years. Lee said this was the year, though, that everything fell into place.
“The need has been there for a number of years,” he said. “It was sort of a perfect storm. The money was available, the community was looking forward to it and the board of supervisors have been very supportive … it’s a good feeling.”
The first phase of this project will add classrooms, computer rooms and other needed facilities to Abingdon Elementary, High Point Elementary, Valley Institute Elementary and E.B. Stanley Middle school.
The second and final perceived phase of the project would add needed facilities to Meadowview Elementary, Glade Middle School, Wallace Middle School and add band rooms to all four high schools in the county.
Lee said these improvements are all add-ons. Lee stands by the condition of the schools and says that the aesthetics of the buildings aren’t what’s truly important.
“The facilities are well maintained and very functional,” he said. “The bottom line is what’s going on in the classrooms. That’s what we need to focus on.”
Justin Harmon can be reached at 628-7101 or