District Improvements: Message from Superintendent Don Lawrence
Message from Superintendent Lawrence delivered to the public at the Spring Program on March 27, 2014:
Several years ago, the residents of the Avenue City School District decided that they would remain an independent district apart from the St. Joseph School District or the Savannah School District.
- In 1957, the original school was a product of school consolidation in the 1950s and consisted of 3 classrooms, 2 offices and a multipurpose room.
- Another addition occurred in 1966 which added two additional classrooms.
- Four additional classrooms were built in 1989.
- In 1999, the facility added 2 classrooms, a library, a computer lab, restrooms and a gym
- In 2008 three additional classrooms were constructed along with restrooms and a locker room facility, a preschool room and a storage room. The locker room/restroom facility was constructed to perform as a community storm shelter.
Each one of those improvements required a "YES" vote from the Avenue City patrons.
In August of 2014, the district will be asking the patrons once again to make improvements. Specifically, we hope to address a more secure entry way that requires parents and visitors to come through the office prior to entering the hallways, an expanded cafeteria area, purchase of land to our west to expand the parking area, remodel and upgrade the current kitchen facility to better prepare meals for our students, an updating and remodeling of the restrooms in the original building, and the removal of non-friable asbestos floor tile and wrapped steam pipes throughout the building.
All of this would be done with a “YES VOTE” in August and without an increase of your taxes. If you’re going to be on vacation the first Tuesday after the first Monday in August, you’ll be able to vote absentee. All we can say is that if you vote “YES” we can move forward with building improvements and if the vote is no, we cannot. This issue is up to you and you will have the ultimate say this August.
We expect to make you aware of drawings and plans before the end of the school year and to provide you with updates and reminders throughout the summer via text and email blasts as well as our website. You may get a phone call from a room mother the week of the election but who decides the issue is basically sitting in this room tonight.
We hope, ask, and pray for your support.
Don Lawrence
Superintendent of Avenue City School District