I’ve often felt guilty for criticizing the apparent cluelessness of Guilford County Schools’ facilities staff, especially when dealing with school construction. So I felt somewhat relieved this morning when I read this morning that school board members —finally — are expressing frustration at the lack of details regarding construction projects financed with —you guessed it —- bonds. Note board member Amos Quick’s frustration with cost estimates for the new airport-area high school:
The conversation heated up after a presentation by the district’s facilities team about future building guidelines. Board member Darlene Garrett asked how much developing the guidelines cost. When none of the four facilities department executives could answer, her frustrations boiled over. “This is an example,” she said referring to other times she’s asked about construction-related costs. “Nobody knows because nobody cares. We have a limited budget, and we should know what it costs.”
Board member Paul Daniels and Vice Chairman Amos Quick followed Garrett, echoing her frustrations.
Quick noted that the airport area high school not yet under construction — but approved under the 2008 school construction bond referendum — was originally proposed at $88 million and now is about $70 million and he still isn’t sure why the cost dropped or why it’s still expected to cost so much.
As for the Taser debate —– if discipline in schools is indeed improving —- as board member Deena Hayes claims —– then it’s best for school resource officers to have Tasers and not need them, eh?
