The first of two public tours will be held Saturday at Wetsel Middle School and Madison County High School.
A new law that went into effect July 1 allows Virginia localities to place a referendum on the November ballot that, if approved, would increase local sales tax by 1% to fund school projects. Previously, only nine localities had the authority to levy the additional sales tax.
In Madison County, the 1% sales tax could yield approximately $1.3 million annually, 25% of which is expected to be funded by visitors to the county. The estimated capital needs of the school system over 20 years total approximately $112.6 million with 47% of that total, $52.9 million, focused on Madison County High School and William Wetsel Middle School.
According to a fact sheet released by school officials, the middle and high school facilities are experiencing “compounding structural, HVAC, electrical and plumbing needs” and “relying on temporary fixes, like urgent repairs to boilers, roof leaks and aging HVAC units, is financially unsustainable over time.”
A comprehensive study is currently underway to evaluate costs for renovation versus new construction and will take into account spaces for career and technical education. That study is expected to be released in September.
In the meantime, approximately $13.4 million of the $112.6 million is needed in the immediate future of one to two years. It accounts for $766,800 at the high school, $291,800 at the middle school, $10 million at Waverly Yowell and Madison Primary and $2.4 million at the central office and Boys & Girls Club space as well as buses and support.
Superintendent Dr. Anna Graham said any interested community members are encouraged to tour the middle and high school facilities Saturday, Sept. 19 or Saturday, Oct. 17. Both tours will begin at the main entrance of the high school at 9 a.m.
“[This] is a great opportunity to see the facilities first hand and ask questions,” she said.
