Building plans await state funds

May 19, 2008 03:50 pm

— By Philip Navarrette
reporter@trcle.com

Don’t expect to see any construction happening anytime soon at Keene schools.
“There will not be any construction happening for about a year,” Superintendent Kevin Sellers said.
The $15 million bond package passed 96-95 on May 10, but the projects require the assistance of two state funding programs. If the district cannot be approved for assistance, construction won’t take place, Sellers said.
“We apply for the first round of funding by June 15,” he said. “We won’t hear about second part until this time next year. So we’ve got time to get organized and get things planned.”
The bond package provides for several renovations and additions to the district’s campuses, including adding an auditorium-cafeteria link between Keene Junior High School and Wanda R. Smith High School. Other changes include demolishing the Keene Intermediate School “white building” to increase room for parking and additional classrooms at the adjacent KJHS.
“Next spring, we’ll get the plans drawn out in detail and organize how we’re going to do the construction,” Sellers said. “It’s going to take some real organization to be able to do some construction in the district because we’re not building a complete new building.”
Sellers said he hasn’t heard any plans for a recount in the close election, but the opportunity will be available.
“This Monday the board will canvass the votes, and then if anybody wants to do a recount, they will have 30 days from the time of the canvassing,” he said.