Construction and conversion

Ringgold School Board decided Wednesday night to build a new high school and convert the existing high school into a middle school.
The board vote authorized the district administration and architect to go to the state Department of Education with its proposal. The decision was made by a 7-1 vote. Board member Charles Smith voted against it and board member William Stein was not present.
Board member Donald Bartoe, who is on the facilities, planning and transportation committee, said the focus has been on finding a site and building a middle school, but during discussions the board felt that a new high school might help more people move into the area.
The new high school will be at the existing high school property. The process to build a new high school will take roughly three years, Bartoe said. He said the board has been given cost estimates for the new high school in the high $30 million to low $40 million range, depending on how the board plans to build.
The board will need additional property at the site, but which land will depend on the specific plan approved by the board, he said.
Bartoe said the existing high school will not need a lot of renovation to be converted to a middle school. He said estimated costs are between $500,000 and $1 million for items such as an HVAC upgrade and new boilers. The middle school will hold fifth- through eighth-graders.
The administration offices will be moved into the new high school, which means the existing administration building could be sold, Bartoe said.
When this facilities plan is done, Ringgold will have four buildings, down from eight. The four buildings will be a new high school, a renovated middle school, a renovated elementary school and Gastonville elementary, which is in good condition, Bartoe said.
“Long term, it’s the way to be as cost-effective as possible for taxpayers,” Bartoe said, adding that he hopes it will be the solution for the next 50 years.
Board President Denise Kuhn said the board has been discussing the middle school for the past four to six years. Bartoe and Kuhn both said a new high school would be a selling point to get more people to move into the district.
“It was a decision that made sense,” she said. “Moneywise, it’s more from $38 (million) to $45 (million), but in the long-term, I think it will benefit our residents and our students far greater.”