Tax Renewal Would Finance $22 Million Project Rebuild Central High

The Central Community School Board is considering whether to propose renewing the school system’s 23.65-mill property tax in order to pay for a complete renovation and modernization of Central High School, improvements to Wildcat Stadium and replacement of temporary buildings at Tanglewood and Bellingrath Hills elementary schools.

The plan, which could be considered by the school board at its Jan. 9 meeting, would pay for $22 million in improvements. It is a modest alternative to building a new high school at a cost of $60 to $70 million.  Early on, the board considered building a new high school at the old Greenwell Springs hospital.

Supt. Jason Fountain said the improvements at Central High School would not preclude the construction of a new high school at some point because the improvements at Central High would also be useful if it is someday converted into a middle school.

The existing 23.65-mill tax was approved by voters in 2009 and won’t expire until 2030. The proposal under consideration would simply extend that tax from 2030 to 2040. In other words, the existing tax would continue until 2040 instead of expiring in 2030.  During that period, the tax would remain at the same level it is today.

However, the extension of the tax would allow bonds to be issued to make improvements at Central High School and other facilities.

HOW TAX WOULD BE USED

The proceeds of the tax would be used for:

•Replacement of T-buildings at Tanglewood Elementary School — $250,000

•Replacement of T-buildings at Bellingrath Hills Elementary School — $250,000

•New plaza entry, parking lot, and other improvements at Wildcat Stadium — $750,000

•Major renovation and additions to Central High School — $21,000,000

Total — $22,250,000

Supt. Fountain said the Central school system’s bond rating has just been increased to AA. This places it at the highest level in the state, matched by only a few other systems.  A high bond rating can result in lower interest rates and in bonds being repaid before they are due.

The Central school system recently refunded general obligation bonds which allowed it to make the most of its higher bond rating, thereby saving taxpayers several hundred thousand dollars.

CENTRAL HIGH IMPROVEMENTS

Additions being considered for Central High School are as follows:

•New competition gym and varsity locker rooms

•New kitchen and student commons

•New Health Science classrooms

•100 new parking spots

Renovations:

•Complete rebuilding of Central High School, making it virtually new on the inside

•Improved and more diverse learning environment 

•Updated science labs

•Renovations to career tech education (CTE) classrooms to accommodate new career paths

•STEM classrooms

•Improved special education classrooms and life skills areas

•Renovated library/media center

The new Commons area is designed to bring the campus together.  It will redefine entry for visitors attending events at the school.  It will also open up the media center to the common area and move students and visitors to the new competition gym, which will have 1,200 bleacher seats and 600 floor seats.

WILDCAT STADIUM

Proposed improvements include:

•Turf field

•A plaza entryway

•New concession stand

•New restrooms

The public has had two opportunities to see how the $22 million in bonds would be used, and Supt. Fountain said the response has been overwhelmingly positive.  He said proposed improvements to Wildcat Stadium have generated the most suggestions and comments.

TIMETABLE

If the Central school board decides to consider the proposed tax renewal at its Jan. 9 board meeting, it could call an election for May 9. If approved, no taxes would be increased. However, the existing tax would continue after 2030 until 2040.

From June to September 2020, work would begin on design and construction documents and the project would be let for public bid. Supt. Fountain said ground could be broken in December 2020 with construction beginning in early 2021 and completed by July 2022.

Central High has been virtually unchanged since it was built in the early 1970’s. The major improvements have been the theatre, the Freshman Academy, and improvements to the office.