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On-post middle school back on
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The Liberty County BoE recently reversed a previous decision to restart the architectural bidding process for a middle school on Fort Stewart.
The middle school is now back on track to open in fall 2010, according to Superintendent Judy Scherer.
“Col. (Todd) Buchs made a passionate appeal to Chairmen (Lily) Baker and myself to reconsider the decision,” Judy Scherer said, referring to Fort Stewart’s garrison commander and the head of the board of education.
All six board members voted for the action, but Baker abstained.
“I abstained because I didn’t agree with the process,” she said. “But I’m OK with it. I support the decision and the board.”
Buchs’ appeal came after the board’s decision to halt planning based on Baker’s recommendation.
“My recommendation is that we start this process again because my number one concern is that the selection committee wasn’t diverse,” Baker said at a called board meeting on March 30.
At that meeting, Carol Guyett, Harold Woods, Charlie Frasier and Verdell Jones all voted against the project. Marcia Anderson and Becky Carter voted to go forward.
Despite the delay in an already tight construction schedule, all parties said they believe the school can open in fall 2010.
“I am extremely confident the superintendent and the school board are taking the right steps to get the school open in time to meet our growth needs and to meet the needs of the growth Liberty County is experiencing,” Buchs said. “I am pleased that everything that can be done to keep the new school on schedule is being done and that any delays will be resolved in short order. Regular meetings with the school board on this issue and on any other issues that affect our soldiers and their families assure me that the school board members understand our concerns and our needs.”
BRPH architects, the firm chosen by a selection committee, will be the architects.
“I’m happy we’re moving forward with it,” Scherer said. “I feel confident we’re going to get our troops and our students. We’re looking forward to the partnership with Fort Stewart.”
She also addressed another question about the school she said she’s getting from many residents.
“The school will serve equal number of students from Liberty County and from base,” she said. “It’s not just for military families.”
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