Politics & Government

$58 Million Approved To Renovate Decatur High, Renfroe Middle

The Decatur School Board dropped the idea of building a whole new middle school.

The Decatur School Board voted Tuesday night to approve a master plan for renovating Decatur High and Renfroe Middle schools.

The building project will be financed with $58 million in general obligation bonds. A referendum will be held Nov 5.

This board voted for a plan that doesn't call for construction of a new Renfroe Middle, which was one of the options considered.

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Patch emailed Board Chairman Marc Wisniewski and asked how the board came to a decision. He said by email that the board discussed enrollment projections (the student bodies are expected to double in five years at those schools), decided they were accurate and went from there.

Having affirmed the enrollment, we then focused on our formally receiving the master plan report.  In so doing, the board sought to narrow the options presented so as to give direction to Dr. Edwards and staff on how to proceed.  The consensus of the board was that: 

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(a) for DHS, the phased effort would first build out primarily the 'commons' area (with additional space built, as required in the future should additional enrollment merit, in the area at the east and north sides of the current building). 

(b) for RMS, the phased effort would first renovate and expand upon the existing school footprint, retaining a College Avenue orientation, with additions in the areas around the new gym, conversion of the previous multi-purpose area (aka "old gym") and in and around the cafeteria and media center (and additional space built, as required in the future should additional enrollment merit, in those areas within and near the footprint of the current building).

This in effect took off the table the building of a mostly new RMS oriented towards King Highway, as well as emphasizing phasing of building as recommended.

The board delayed the decision-making process a few months ago because residents complained they hadn't had enough input. More public meetings were held so residents could weigh in.

Summaries of those meetings are posted on the school system website.

In 2018, Decatur High's enrollment is expected to hit 1,891 (it's now about 925) and Renfroe 1,666 (783), according to plans on the school system website.

Here are some previous Patch stories about school enrollment and expansion.

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  • Public meetings planned on big construction project.


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