KENANSVILLE — Educators formulated their own recovery plan to help stimulate the minds of students in Duplin County Schools classrooms earlier this week. During a workshop Tuesday, the school board decided to have soil samples taken from two locations in Kenansville to determine if the sites are suitable for construction.

One area to be tested is next to James Kenan High School; the other is land between the Events Center and James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville. Testing is contingent on permission from the county since the property is not owned by the school system.

Testing was decided during the board’s work session. As a precursor to discussion, superintendent Dr. Wiley Doby gave an update on the economic recovery plan winding its way through Congress. “My understanding was that much of the economic portion for education” was taken out of the $838 billion plan passed by the Senate, Doby said. Money for education is expected to be put in the House’s plan. The superintendent further explained that the board should compile three viable options should Duplin County Schools reap any of the financial benefits.

Construction prices have fallen 25 to 30 percent over the past four months, said Robbie Ferris, president and CEO of the architectural company SfL+a. In the current facilities plan, the consolidated high school to be built was estimated at $45 million. But now, said Ferris, it might be possible to build a high school for $30 million — roughly the same price as the new Clinton High School.

Ferris noted custom plans could not be drawn up in time, but previously used plans could be used, like that of the new home for the Dark Horses.

School board member Chuck Farrior first commented on the James Kenan district and the commitment made to it by the board.

“Let’s talk about what could happen for the James Kenan district,” said Farrior. “The middle school and high school are in need.”

Concerned with the time sensitivity of the issue at hand, school board member Reginald Kenan commented that he was not convinced there was enough time for construction of a high school. “We don’t have the land or the site.”

“Well,” said board member Hubert Bowden, “with the experience he (Ferris) has, I think we ought to trust him.”

Ferris had commented earlier that building a new school might be possible.

Farrior shared his thoughts about a new high school being built across from James Sprunt Community College. “I would like to see synergy between the school and the community college.”

Farrior’s comments found immediate support with members Jennings Outlaw and Bowden. “I would support that,” said Outlaw. “Also, the Warsaw community supports that,” said Bowden.

It was decided to ask the county for permission to begin possible construction plans. Testing for one site was estimated by Ferris at $5,000, however, he noted a deal could probably be worked out with a soil testing company if two sites were tested.

After the meeting, Ferris explained the next step. “We are going to do a site plan and determine if a high school will fit and, of course, have discussion if it will; and contact a soil company and have soil borings done to determine the cost of putting the building on the site.”

Results from preliminary borings will take about a week or so, said Ferris, adding that the time will depend on the workload of the testing company.

Construction would only be a possibility if the funding were there, he said. The CEO said he would “hate to speculate” on the probability of the school system getting $30 million for a new high school.

Though conversation ended, it was very clear that the current facilities plan was still in place, and no adjustments were made. Testing the soil is only to explore possibilities.

Not Enough Money

If Duplin County Schools does not receive the funds needed to build a new high school, maintenance would be looked at, school officials have said. Provided to the board by the superintendent was the 2008-09 Duplin County Schools Maintenance Needs Survey. Needs were broken down into three time frames: needs that must occur within one to two years; needs that must occur within three to five years; and needs that must be met in six to 10 years. Each school, the Board of Education, the annex, the bus garage and maintenance building were all listed separately.

For example, Warsaw Middle School has a need of $1,773,500 in maintenance during the first two years. More specifically, needs are in parking, plumbing, interior paint and flooring. Also 50,000 square feet of roof needs replacing.

The board did not discuss specific needs of any school, but noted that Charity Middle had needs. During a broken conversation, Ferris, told the board that repairs, while needed, may not go as far as assumed.

Ferris continued that the stimulus package is geared toward putting people to work, and small maintenance jobs would be hard to show the government how those projects are doing that. In addition strings might be attached, new technology is expected to be used. The cost, Ferris said, could be three or four times as much at what would typically fill needs.

The board did not vote on any maintenance needs.

No answer

The board also huddled behind closed doors to discuss an offer made by the Duplin County Board of Commissioners to settle a lawsuit filed earlier this summer that ended with a ruling in favor of the school system. No decision was made.

In the suit, a jury of 12 awarded the school system $4.7 million — an amount too great said commissioners. Monday, during a joint meeting between the two boards, commissioner David Fussell asked that a settlement of $1 million be agreed upon out of court. His fear, he said, was that a supplemental tax increase would have to be sent out to citizens to cover the debt. Chairman Cary Turner noted during the meeting that of the 54,000 residents in Duplin, only 13,000 pay property taxes. To add another burden would be unfair, he said.

Michael Connolly can be reached at (910) 592-8137 ext. 120 or can be emailed at sicity@intrstar.net.