The school staff is estimating the cost of the project to be

in the $800,000 range and the goal is to complete it without

a mortgage. "Though this seemed a lofty goal at first,"

Smola said, "we have marveled at the response of the community

to fund this project." Donations from corporations,

foundations, civic organizations and individuals totaling more than half

the project's total budget have been received to date, making

that $800,000 marker far more attainable.

Wayne Leslie of Leslie Contracting has volunteered

his services as general contractor for the project. Leslie said

that "this project is truly a widespread Fayette County

community effort."

Local home builder Jeff Ellis is coordinating a

massive volunteer "barn raising" to frame the building sometime

near the beginning of the year. Event coordinators are seeking

200 laborers, skilled and unskilled, to complete that task.

To volunteer time or donations or for more

information, call Janet Smola at 770-461-5894.

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