It may have been an overview, but the Jackson City Council, got an eyeful at its monthly meeting when Dr. Eric Jones, superintendent of the Jackson-Madison County System discussed a 10-year Capital Proposal plan, at City Hall, Tuesday.
“My hope is, it gets funded,” Dr. Jones said. “We’re looking to see if there is a way this project moves forward, because it’s what is best for the students, Jackson and Madison County.
“Remember, this is a 10-year plan.”
With a price tag of $144 million, Jones said it’s $4 million less than what has been estimated to upgrade the existing facilities.
The proposal included moving Lincoln Elementary School to Whitehall Elementary School in January, 2019.
If approved, Jones requested an additional wing be added to Whitehall by late fall of this year.
Jones requested closing Alexander Elementary School and Pope Elementary School in 2020.
He recommended a new middle school, east cluster – be constructed in the fall of 2020 behind the former Jackson Central-Merry campus.
Jones proposed a kindergarten through eighth grade – northwest cluster – in the fall of 2020, and a possible kindergarten through eighth grade south cluster, which would incorporate south, west Bemis and Denmark K-8.
He proposed rezoning schools in the summer of 2020, with North Parkway becoming kindergarten through eighth grade – rezoned to North Side.
Jones also mentioned the possibility of building a new Madison Academic High School in the fall of 2020 on the campus of the University of Memphis Lambuth.
The proposal also include a possible long-term partnership with local colleges and universities, and a workforce development center concentrating on Advanced Manufacturing and Health Sciences.
The City Council also approved (5-3) the acceptance of the Charter Review committee changes to the existing charter, while authorizing the purchase of property owned by the estate of John T. Murphy at 517-520 Airways Blvd., for the purpose or relocating the Parks Maintenance Operations Department.
The cost of the property is $220,000.
(PHOTO: Dr. Eric Jones, superintendent of the Jackson-Madison County School System, addresses the Jackson City Council)
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