Byrneville Elementary Halts Multi-Million Dollar Construction Plans

September 12, 2019

Byrneville Elementary School’s board of directors officially decided Wednesday afternoon to halt plans for a multi-million dollar construction project, instead opting to look at renovations and upgrades on the current campus.

At one time the charter school’s board of directors discussed $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’s banker told them  earlier this year that the school can  afford a loan of just $2.185 million with an enrollment of 205 students. Byrneville’s current enrollment stands at 185.

“We have to have more students to build the whole thing,” board chair Melanie Killam said Wednesday. “We could modify it to fit what we have.” She mentioned that perhaps a four classroom building could be constructed, but that would force the board to take ownership of the property from the Escambia County School District and assume responsibility for all facility repairs.

“We are back to square one. If we start building, we have to start paying for all the insurance and all that has to be done,” Killam said.

“We know that we don’t have the money to build what we were going to do. We need to update,” said board member Brandy Carter. “Spruce it up.”

The board decided to meet again with their architect and explore renovation and upgrade options.

Byrneville Elementary’s main building was constructed in 1941, and many classrooms and the school’s library are located in aging portables.

NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News