Friday, November 10, 2000
Friday, November 10, 2000 |
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School system must now sell bonds, build schools
By PAT NEWMAN
A $65 million school bond issue was passed by Fayette County voters Tuesday with a vote of 22,725 to 16,325. According to Fayette County School Superintendent, Dr. John DeCotis, it will take between 60 and 90 days to complete the entire process of selling the bonds. The next major hurdle facing the board is purchasing property for construction of the new schools to be funded through the bonds. DeCotis said the board is currently looking at potential sites. "We hope before the end of school to lock-in or purchase some property, but we don't know exactly where that will be," DeCotis said, adding that finding the appropriate land for the appropriate price is the board's next concern. Earlier discussion on prospective elementary school locations pinpointed three high growth areas: the Ga. Highway 54 corridor between Peachtree City and Tyrone; the West Village in Peachtree City; and the area between Fayetteville and Brooks. The high school site is likely to be south of Fayetteville. DeCotis thanked the voters for their support of the bond and the children of the county. School Board member Mickey Littlefield also thanked the citizens, "for their trust in us. It reflects the trust the county has in our superintendent, Dr. John DeCotis." The bond issue will also cover renovations at older schools such as rewiring, relighting, new ceilings and improvements in kitchens and restrooms. The 10-year bond will be added to the school bond tax starting with the 2001 tax bill. The need for the bond came as the result of continued growth in the county at a rate of 500 to 700 students per year and the state mandate to reduce class sizes covered in the Governor's A-Plus Reform Act.
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