Jackson schools needs millions for renovations
Published 9:07 am Monday, October 31, 2011
Jackson Public Schools needs about $176.2 million for renovation, repair and modernization of classrooms, according to the Council of the Great City Schools, a coalition of U.S. urban school districts.
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The Clarion-Ledger reports (http://on.thec-l.com/uiiYjU ) the council recently released a report on infrastructure needs based on a survey of urban districts. The district also has $74.8 million in deferred maintenance, projects that have been postponed because of a lack of funds.
Interim Superintendent Jayne Sargent said through a spokeswoman that Jackson schools have made significant improvements, but there is a need for more renovations and repairs.
Modern, safe classrooms are an educational benefit for students: The jobs of the future are based on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, said Manish Naik, CGCS’ legislative manager.
“We can do a good job, we can do a decent job, but we don’t necessarily want to shoot for good enough,” Naik said.
Although JPS “has made significant improvements through the use of funds from the 2006 bond issue, there are still many buildings in need of renovations and repairs, including HVAC replacements, foundation work, roof repairs and window replacements,” Sargent said.
