School Construction Report
Goal 2008: WCPSS is committed to academic excellence. By 2008, 95 percent of students in grades 3 through 12 will be at or above grade level as measured by the State of North Carolina End-of-Grade or Course tests, and all student groups will demonstrate high growth.
April 7, 2006
BOARD NAMES NEW SCHOOL IN NORTHERN WAKE
At its April 4 meeting, the Board of Education picked the name River Bend
Elementary School for the school that will be located in planning area E19.
The board picked the name from a list of several offered by staff. The dramatic
growth in student enrollment has led the school system to start River Bend
Elementary early in the temporary modular campus on Spring Forest Road.
Students were assigned to the school for 2006-07. Staff is in the process
of locating and acquiring a suitable site for the school in the planning
area, between US 1 and US 64. The permanent school facility will be included
in the next school construction program and is expected to open in the fall
of 2008. You can find maps of the schools due to open in 2006-07 and 2007-08
at http://www.wcpss.net/demographics/facilities/school-openings06_07.pdf.
The maps are part of the WCPSS Demographic Resource Center maintained by
Maya Vouk.
LOTTERY HAS LITTLE IMPACT IN FACING DRAMATIC GROWTH
The NC Education Lottery will provide a little help when it comes to meeting
the facility needs of Wake County students. The rosiest estimate shows Wake
County gaining $9 million -- enough to build less than half of an elementary
school. The funding formula is based on average daily membership and the
county tax rate: the lower the tax rate, the less money you stand to receive.
According to Joe Durham, Wake's deputy county manager, the earliest Wake
could see revenues is 2007-08.
WCPSS' building program is funded through local dollars -- typically a combination of bonds and general revenues, or "pay-as-you-go" funds. More information on managing growth can be found in the WCPSS Morning Announcements at http://www.wcpss.net/announcements/archives/managing_growth/index.html
BOARD APPROVES CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR KNIGHTDALE
At its April 4 meeting, the Board of Education approved construction documents
for the additions and renovations at Knightdale Elementary. The board had
considered increasing school capacity as part of the improvements but was
informed by the Town of Knightdale that $1 million in street improvements
would be required. Current improvements will not increase capacity, but
will include the demolition of the existing gym building and the addition
of classroom space and a multi-purpose room. The total budget is $6,426,511,
which is currently available from the PLAN 2000 School Building Program.
BOARD NAMES DESIGNER FOR WAKEFIELD 9TH GRADE CENTER
At its April 4 meeting, the Board of Education named Schenkel Shultz Architecture
for the design of the Wakefield High 9th grade center. This request is in
accordance with NCGS 143-64.32, which allows the exemption of the statutory
designer selection process. The specific reason for this exemption is that
the time available for the opening of this facility is very tight and does
not allow for the standard selection process. This will shorten design time
and help expedite the project. The staff reviewed the credentials and workload
of three firms with previous experience with conversion of large box store
and office facilities for a school. Staff recommends this firm based on
their experience and availability to do the work.
-wcpss-
The School Construction Report is published electronically every other week for everyone interested in the Wake County Public School System. Is what you read in this edition helpful? What information would you like to see in future editions? Contact me by calling 850-1829 or e-mailing bposton@wcpss.net.
Bill Poston
Wake County Public School System
Communications Department
3600 Wake Forest Road
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
Tell a friend about the School Construction Report and encourage them to
sign up for WCPSS electronic newsletters at
http://www.wcpss.net/online_newsletters/the_school_connection