Habersham County’s Board of Education could approve funding for future expansion of Hazel Grove Elementary (Mt. Airy) and Woodville Elementary (Clarkesville) Monday, Nov. 11.
If the $7.3 million projects are approved, Woodville (built in 1950) could see an additional three classrooms, reconfigured administrative space, roof replacement, a secured entrance and expansion of student and adult restrooms. The building also would be repainted, according to school officials.
Funding is expected to come from bond funds and Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax revenue.
Hazel Grove, the second oldest school building in Habersham (1954), could receive new restrooms and new windows.
If approved, renovations would begin through the summer while students are out of class, according to officials, and be completed before the start of the school year.
Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin said Thursday that the project is set at $7.3 million but could come out at a lower cost. He said the potential projects are part of much-needed upgrades and will also provide room for expansion.
“In 1950, you didn’t have the same needs as student do now,” Franklin said. “It will be more of a complete renovation…the cost is with a contingency. Everything will be that (cost) or lower.”
Franklin said the upgrades will provide crucial capacity for schools to grow with Habersham County. “It gives us room to grow and also modernizes two of our older buildings. Those are community schools. The community loves them, so we need to bring them up to date.”
Habersham County Board of Education Chairman Doug Westmoreland agreed and stated, “We need the newer facilities and the space. It’s still a beautiful building. Both of them are. But it’s come time after 60 years that we need to do some updates and expansions and get that building up to code.”
Habersham’s Board of Education will consider the item during a regular meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at 144 Holcomb St. in Clarkesville.
