OVERFLOW: JACKSON SCHOOLS PLAN TO BUILD FOR FUTURE GROWTH

JACKSON -- Much like creeks and rivers overflow their banks, the Jackson R-2 school district has overflowed its building space.

Rising enrollment has prompted the district to propose building a new elementary school, an addition to North Elementary School and a new math and science wing at the high school.

The total $7.8 million package will reach voters Tuesday in the form of a proposed 20-cent tax levy increase. Polls are open from 6 a.m until 7 p.m.

Because the district hasn't been able to keep ahead of its growth in recent years, some elementary classrooms have been moved to partitioned hallways while others have taken over former music, art or library space. The art teacher at West Lane Elementary will float between classrooms this year.

"There's not even a spare closet there," Superintendent Dr. Howard Jones said of the buildings. And since there aren't any spare rooms, Jones has to be more creative in finding space for growing classrooms.

Mobile classrooms have been considered, but weren't part of the long-term solution. Assistant Superintendent Fred Jones still has a manila folder on his desk with information about costs and setup.

It's always difficult to decide which classroom to move to a mobile classroom and no student should feel like they are a second-class citizen because they meet in a mobile classroom, Dr. Jones said. Initial set-up fees are high if the classes aren't used for long time periods. If the issue fails, mobile classrooms might be needed.

The administration and Board of Education decided that the logical solution was a permanent building. But the decision didn't come without studying the issues. A facilities committee met for months before the bond issue was proposed. Another committee was formed to distribute information about the bond. Flyers were mailed to each registered voter, teachers called to remind them about the election and board members spoke to civic clubs about the issue.

"The voters need to decide if it is a legitimate need and if it's a reasonable solution," Dr. Jones said. "It's not just a classroom issue but a community issue. It's good for the kids, good for the district and good for the community."

Classrooms are the first place that the district sees its growth. Enrollment predictions for 1996-97 show an increase of 228 students, or about 5 percent, from the 1994-95 school year.

"If the growth continues, we will have about 100 more students entering high school this year than graduated," Jones said. "It won't hurt our feelings any if it dips below that." Lower numbers mean less crowded classrooms for the district.

Constructing a new elementary school and adding classroom space is a major need for the district, said Debbie Lusk, president of the Jackson Community Teachers Association. "It's absolutely needed when you're putting so many students in a classroom that you can't physically walk around without bumping into a desk or a student."

Although the greatest needs are at the elementary level, there is some cushion at the middle school. "You don't want to send kindergarten classes there," Dr. Jones said. However, in dire straits, the district has used church basements to house students who didn't have any classroom space at their building.

An addition at North Elementary School could be completed in time for the next school year if the bond passes. "That will relieve some of the urgency at that level," Dr. Jones said

Construction on a new elementary school south of town wouldn't be complete for about two years. The proposed elementary school would be located at Boehme Lane and Highway 25.

Principal Rose Tallent could use some extra space at the Primary Annex where kindergarten students attend class. Because Orchard and West Lane schools are so crowded, the annex also houses some first grade classrooms. "We have moved all other services out except for music," she said. "That will be the last room available for kindergarten."

Last year, the district reached its highest kindergarten enrollment ever. Two new sections of classes were added to accommodate the beginning students.

Additional classroom space in the district could also mean moving from a half-day to full-day kindergarten program in the future. "We can't get started unless we have more space for classes," Dr. Jones said.

Building an addition for math and science classes at the high school will be more costly than those at the elementary because of the additional space needed for labs. "We've been conservative in the estimates," Jones said. "We don't want to have anything like a $250,000 discrepancy."

Summary of proposed bond issue for Jackson R-2 schools

High school math and science building $3,460,468

Addition to North Elementary School $1,176,373

New South Elementary School $3,480,377

Total estimate of building program $8,117,218

Preliminary Project Budget

Construction related costs $8,117,000

Estimated costs of issuance $142,000

Miscellaneous furnishings/land $41,000

Total use of funds $8,3000,000

Project Components

The High School Math and Science Building addition will be approximately 38,592 square feet, located between the original high school building and the music/vocational building. Moving the main administrative offices to the new building will make them centrally located and more handicap accessible.

-- Add eight science classrooms/labs.

-- Fund equipment storage and preparation areas for classrooms.

-- Add seven math classrooms.

-- Add teacher preparation rooms.

-- Move the administrative support office area.

The North Elementary School addition will add 14,212 square feet and be fully handicap accessible. It will also separate the student play areas from the service vehicle area.

-- Provide two classrooms per grade level from kindergarten through fifth grade which means space for 300 additional students.

-- Add space for library, music, art, and special services classrooms.

-- Provide additional parking.

A new South Elementary School will hold about 450 students from kindergarten through fifth grade in a 44,500 square foot area. It will include all services found at other elementary schools in the district and will be located at Boehme Lane and Highway 25.

-- Provide three classrooms at each grade level from kindergarten through fifth grade.

-- Provide a combined gymnasium and cafeteria.

-- Provide art, music and special services classrooms.

-- Provide a separate library for students.

-- Provide an administrative area.

-- Create a 25 acre site for ample play areas, parking and future expansion.

-- Classrooms will be completely wired for technology.