The Fayette County Board of Education gave the go-ahead on Feb. 2 to have plans drawn up that could lead to the construction of new gymnasiums at North Fayette Elementary School and Peachtree City Elementary School, and potentially, a new classroom building at the Peachtree City school.
Facilities Director Mike Satterfield in addressing the need for new gyms at the two schools told the board both were in need of replacement. Satterfield said both metal-frame buildings with no insulation and with drainage and rust issues were constructed in 1984. Also smaller than the gyms at many of the school system’s other elementary schools, they total 5,180 sq. ft.
Satterfield proposed replacing both buildings with gyms of 8,214 sq. ft. using brick with steel supports, acoustical ceilings and outfitted with restrooms, storage space, offices and connecting canopies.
Satterfield recommended that the new gym at North Fayette be located where the current gym stands while the gym at Peachtree City be located nearer the street on the southeast side of the campus.
The expected price for each new gym would be $1.1 million and would be funded by E-SPLOST (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) revenues.
At left, Mike Satterfield. Photo/Ben Nelms.Concerning Peachtree City Elementary, Satterfield also suggested that the board consider adding an eight-classroom building where the current gym is situated today. Citing a potential need for a new classroom building, Satterfield noted the coming construction of new homes in the Wilksmoor Village area on the city’s west side, adding that nearby schools are close to capacity.
“The addition would handle 100 kids,” said Satterfield.
If subsequently approved by the board, the new classroom building would cost $1.5 million and would be funded by E-SPLOST revenues. If approved, the classroom project would require a state approval process that would likely take a year or more.
Board member Dan Colwell during the discussion cited his belief that the two gyms should be replaced even if the classroom building is not included.
The board agreed by consensus to have Satterfield get bids on the three projects and bring them to the board for consideration. And following a suggestion by board member Barry Marchman, the bids will be accompanied by a cost analysis that will examine near-term future needs and compare the cost of constructing a new classroom building with re-opening a school.
