Shelby Co. seeks $54M for schools

Money would be put toward several building projects

“I think we’ve got

Shelby County Schools presented a request for $54 million in capital projects this year and next to the County Commission Wednesday, including the costs to build two new elementary schools following a wave of closures.

The request was lower than Supt. Dorsey Hopson’s original plan to ask for $75 million for a litany of projects, and the cost for the two schools also dropped. Hopson previously estimated the cost for new schools for Alcy and Goodlett elementaries at $24 million apiece. He said Wednesday the cost would be $22.3 million for Alcy and $20.9 million for Goodlett. Both would hold 1,260 students.

The new schools are part of a plan to consolidate eight older schools into two new, high-tech schools.

“I think we’ve got great footing with you guys’ support and great things ahead,” Hopson said.

Commissioners praised Hopson for reinvesting the savings from recent school closures into upgraded “21st century schools.”

“I don’t think it’s enough,” said commissioner David Reaves, voicing support for additional funding. “I think you need more.”

To that, commissioner Terry Roland hollered out, “Me, too!”

Commissioner Mark Billingsley said he was “disappointed” the public didn’t get the chance to speak on the plan, which was added to a commission committee meeting agenda without notice Wednesday. But Reaves said the presentation was just a preview and promised a “deeper dive” into the budget request in the future.

Reporter Jennifer Pignolet contributed to this report.

Reach Ryan Poe at poe@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter at @ryanpoe.

great footing with you guys’ support and great things ahead.”