By. Alexis Hill, Intern
Manchester City Schools and the City of Manchester are one step closer to reaching an agreement that could help fund the construction of a new middle school.
During Tuesday’s Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, Director of Schools Dr. Joey Vaughn proposed that Manchester City Schools contribute $500,000 annually for five years toward the project. Following that initial five-year period, the funding agreement would be renegotiated.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen agreed to move forward by drafting a legal contract outlining the proposed partnership between the city and the school system.
The proposal follows an earlier suggestion from Manchester Mayor Joey Hobbs that the school system contribute $1 million annually for 30 years. Vaughn said that level of funding would not be fiscally responsible for Manchester City Schools.
A new middle school has been a topic of discussion for city leaders and school officials as Manchester continues to grow. Preliminary estimates place the cost of the project at approximately $52 million.
The City of Manchester currently contributes about $1.3 million annually toward existing school bond payments and provides an additional $2.6 million to Manchester City Schools through the city’s annual budget.
No final agreement has been approved. The next step is for city officials and school leaders to negotiate the terms of the proposed contract before any long-term funding commitment is finalized.
If approved, the project would provide Manchester City Schools with a new middle school designed to serve students and accommodate future enrollment growth.
