Leeds BOE nearing final round of renovations

Staff Writer The Leeds News

LEEDS — The Leeds City School Board continues to move closer to completing the final phase of renovations at Leeds Elementary School.

During a meeting Tuesday, school board officials met with Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood architects to discuss Phase IV of the renovations. The board intends to bid the project out in time for work to begin as soon as students go home for the summer break.

The latest round of renovations will include an addition along the Ashville Road face of the school. The additional space will provide more administrative space. The plan also includes a new roof for the library, which will completely update the roofing on the facility; a reorganization of the new and current administrative space; a new architectural design at the entrances to the school, which will match the appearance of the new Leeds High School and Middle School; new projectors and a drop ceiling to the third grade wing; new monument signage to replace current signs; and landscaping at the corner of Highway 78 and Ashville Road.

The cost of the project is being provided through a Qualified School Construction Bond, which was made available to “shovel-ready” projects under the American Recovery and Investment Act. The school system was granted an $863,000 bond, which is provided with no interest and a payback of only 85 percent, according to Leeds Superintendent John Moore.

The renovation plans at the elementary school dates back to 2003, with various phases being completed since that time.

The landscaping involved in the project will include creating a more attractive space at the corner of Ashville Road and Highway 78. Included in that work will be eliminating some trees and planting flowers. LES Principal Michael McKee said he feels it is important to update the landscaping at that intersection.

“This is one of the most visible spots in Leeds,” McKee said. “A lot of people will judge our schools based on the appearance at that intersection.”

Moore said this latest phase is expected to take about 90 days.

“These renovations will get us up-to-date,” Moore said. “These are tight (financial) times, but we had to take advantage of the interest free money. If not for that, we would not be able to proceed with the project at this time.”

Moore added that the completion of renovations at the elementary school marks a milestone for the school system.

“With this project completed, facilities will no longer be a barrier to a great education in our city,” he said.

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