Shop renovations possible at Troup
BY CHARLOTTE SMITH Editor

Troup school board members held a special meeting Monday, with reports from Supt. Marvin Beaty about two possible campus improvement and renovation plans being presented.

Beaty said he had gathered information about upgrades to the vocational shop facilities and a new child care center based on interest from an earlier budget workshop.

The total project costs for a child care center were estimated to be $1,161,850. Based on that amount, Beaty said he could not recommend the project. "It doesn't seem logical to me to spend that type of money for a return less than 1 per- cent," he said. "Even though we have the money, it's not a good use of taxpayers' money."

The second project, upgrades at the vocational shop building, was originally considered to correct structural/slab issues, but grew in scope when design engineers met with ag instructor Randy Tidwell.

Preliminary cost estimates for the shop renovations are $610,772, and include a new additon of 80'x25', interior renovations, site drainage and retaining wall, electrical relocation and a welding booth.

Trustees toured the shop facilities and asked Tidwell to explain his requests and how they would affect the current program. One of Tidwell's reasons for requesting additional upgrades was to make the shop certifiable by the state.

Based on the estimated price tag, the board asked Supt. Beaty to get more specific information about the shop renovations, with an emphasis on whether they expand the scope of the current program.

The board hopes to hear Beaty's report at Monday's regular meeting; if not, another special meeting will be called.