By By Steve Gillespie/The Meridian Star
Aug. 31, 2001
Construction of a new math and science wing at Clarkdale Attendance Center will begin within two weeks.
The Lauderdale County School Board unanimously approved Superintendent David Little's recommendation to proceed with the project Thursday at a special meeting held at the school's campus.
The new wing, designed by Carter Miller Associates of Meridian, will have six classrooms, a chemistry lab, a biology lab, a teachers' lounge and restrooms. It is part of a master plan to replace buildings at Clarkdale, the county's oldest school.
Brad Carter of Carter Miller Associates said each of the classrooms will be wired for computers, and the labs will include safety showers and eye-wash stations as well as special storage areas for chemicals and equipment.
Principal Jan Miller told the board that construction of the new building will allow the old high school building on campus to be used for junior high grades.
Revenue from 16th Section land will be used to fund the $900,000 project. District officials have about $1.2 million in 16th Section funds on hand, and estimate that another $500,000 in timber sales will be received this year.
Little's recommendation did cut some corners, however. Installation of 110 lockers and a projection screen in each lab were dropped from the plans, saving $18,750. Little said those items are not essential and can be added later.
The contract, awarded to Harold West Inc., of Laurel, will run for 270 days. The company's bid was $784,900. The wing will be built on the west side of the Clarkdale campus, the present location of a parking lot.
Steve Gillespie is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3233, or e-mail him at sgillespie@themeridianstar.com.