Putnam BOE Request Would Fund The Remainder Of Park View School

The Putnam County School Board’s request for an additional $16 million dollars would totally complete the Park View School project.

Director of Schools Corby King said the money would build the upper grade wing of the school as well as athletic fields and an auditorium. King said the school board is requesting the funding now to avoid additional costs after the lower grade wing is built.

“Once we get past February or March of next year within this current project, they’re going to start constructing walls and things in the K-4 to complete that building,” King said. “If we decide to expand later, we are going to have to tear that out, so that $16 million figure would go up.”

The Putnam County Commission will have a special called meeting sometime in December to consider the request. King said he understands the ask is not a simple one considering a possible property tax increase.

“I absolutely understand the position that the commission is in, and the need for the tax increase that would be required,” King said. “We understand the ask here.”

King said he would prefer that the upper grade wing was constructed with no students in the building. Rather than waiting until the lower grade wing was completed.

“It’s disruptive to student learning,” King said. “It would have the equipment running and all the things during construction while the students are in the classroom, but also, disrupts the car line. It’s not something that can’t happen. I just think it is a lot safer if we can construct while students are not in the building.”

The school board was issued a $45 million bond to build the entire school. After bids came in over budget, the school board decided to build the lower grade wing only.