Contact: Jackson Daniel, Assistant Superintendent
Telephone: 478-994-2031 ext. 1031
Email: Jackson.daniel@mcschools.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 31, 2016
Monroe County Schools Partner with Community Members
to Expand Public Educational Opportunities
FORSYTH, GA - Body of Release
The Monroe County Board of Education, along with the Howell W. Newton and Willis H. Newton, Jr. families and Mr. Otis Ingram, announced today an agreement that will allow for enhanced opportunities for Monroe County students. Mary Persons High School and the Board of Education campuses will be expanded by nearly 80 acres. This land is strategically important to the growth of Mary Persons High School as it is the only available land contiguous to the Board of Education's property.
This agreement will allow for the immediate addition of parking south of the new Fine Arts Center on Brooklyn Avenue. Future expansions are slated to include a vocational agricultural center among other school-related projects. Through a corresponding land exchange, Mr. Ingram obtains the property necessary along U.S. Highway 41 for a planned Independent Senior Living community with clubhouse and residential houses in a gated community.
Monroe County School Board Chairman Dr. J. Ray Grant, Jr., said, "We are pleased to make this announcement that we foresee will have a positive effect on our community. This agreement paves the way for the Board of Education to meet some long term needs for additional parking and a number of other transformative projects." Dr. Grant praised the cooperative nature of the negotiations that led to the land agreement. "We so appreciate that these community supporters see the benefit of this agreement to the school system and the young people of Monroe County. The ultimate spirit of cooperation has produced what is a win-win-win for all parties."
The Board of Education intends to begin work immediately on parking areas adjacent to the Fine Arts Center which will also serve the football stadium. The newly acquired land will also provide the necessary space for key projects such as the expansion of the football stadium, a vocational agriculture center, and future instructional space.
Financing for the board's purchase of the Newton Family and Ingram properties has been arranged through the Georgia Municipal Association and United Bank in partnership with the Georgia School Boards Association. The purchase price of the land acquired in this agreement was $850,000.00 and approximately $750,000.00 was borrowed to fund the construction of the capital projects slated for this property. This financing vehicle is similar to that utilized by the Board in purchasing the former Monroe Academy property in 2009 which now serves as the Monroe County Education Center.
About The Monroe County School System
The Monroe County School System is a dynamic school system located in the heart of Georgia near both Macon and Atlanta. Our system is known throughout the State for its tradition of educational excellence for all students. With a theme of "Honoring the Past while Creating the Future," we look to add to this tradition with a "Commitment to Excellence" in everything we do. For more information, visit http://www.monroe.k12.ga.us.
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