Schools

School Board Discusses Projects; Taylor Road Middle a Priority

Construction and technology prioritization projects discussed at board work session.

The Fulton County School Board received a SPLOST IV update at its Feb. 14 work session, outlining the tentative priorities for projects being funded through the recently passed one-penny sales tax. The presentation focused primarily on new construction, building renovations and technology implementation.

Chief Operations Officer Patrick Burke presented a plan that listed the timeline for 10 new schools and six school additions that are included in the SPLOST IV capital program. Topping the prioritization list are a new McNair Middle School, a replacement elementary school in the College Park area, and replacement Esther Jackson and Heards Ferry elementary schools.

Additions also are prioritized for Taylor Road Middle School, Sandy Springs Middle School, Creek View Elementary School and Riverwood International Charter School. The complete list for new schools and building additions is posted online, with the formal prioritization list to be approved in the spring as part of the FY13 capital budget.

Chief Information Officer Marisa Greenlee also presented a prioritization for technology innovations, including a plan to integrate more interactive projectors into classrooms. The projectors are similar to interactive whiteboards but at a lesser cost, which would allow their expansion to more classrooms. Other high priorities include refreshing teacher laptops and other hardware, such as printers, and adding more “mobile technology devices” for students. While the exact technology hasn’t been selected, since advancements could vastly change over the next five years, the devices could be similar toiTouches, iPads or other handheld devices.

Find out what's happening in Johns Creekwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The sales tax is estimated to generate $821.9 million over the next five years and since it is a pay-as-you-go-tax, projects will be funded as sales tax collections allow.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Johns Creek