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Banker: Byrneville Elem. Can’t Afford $7 Million Building; Scaled-Back Options To Be Considered
June 5, 2019
Byrneville Elementary has learned they don’t have the enrollment or funds needed for a $7.7 million building project they have been considering for over a year, but that does not mean the school won’t proceed with a scaled-back building.
Last July, the Byrneville Elementary Board of Directors – the group that oversee the operations of the charter school – learned it would be about $7.7 million for a new building with 10 classrooms, a 1,000 square foot multipurpose room and associated spaces, and a new cafetorium with a serving kitchen.
The board is considering financing with United Bank through the USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. The bank says the school can afford a loan of just $2.185 million with an enrollment of 205 students, or up to $2.6 million if they increase enrollment by 10 students. At the end of May, Byrneville’s enrollment was 186.
Last week, the board met with United Bank Vice President Chris Walker and architect Mike Marshall of the firm Sam Marshall Architects to discuss how they can move forward.
Marshall said corners could be cut to build a six classroom building by reducing amenities and using a metal building instead of masonry. With 10 classrooms, that building would be about $3.3 million, he added.
Marshall will bring options back to the board, mostly likely by their next meeting in July.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Comments
7 Responses to “Banker: Byrneville Elem. Can’t Afford $7 Million Building; Scaled-Back Options To Be Considered”
They need more students to secure the loan for a building that would allow them space for more students. Definitely a catch 22 situation.
@ maybe: Noble idea, but to me, logistics would prohibit shelter being built in such an out of the way location. two lane narrow roads and all.
Molino Park is already the designated hurricane shelter for the North end folks.
Don’t know where the school is to be built, but maybe couldn’t it be also used as a hurricane evacuation shelter if built with masonry? Seems better to give the 7 million to have a school that will withstand a hurricane.
And since I have worked with these folks,you can count on them NOT giving up!!!!!!!!!!!!
You know.with all the hard work that has been poured into seeking a new and better building for these hard working people to continue their good work toward the students,it looks like ALL is against them….looks like someone with money to spare, could help them in some way to achieve this effort!!!!! This school holds special memories for me……I am praying that God,in His Infinite Mercy and Grace will help them….and,of course,in His Perfect Will…..
What a shame. I know they have worked so hard to get this kind of news.