Greeneville City Schools works to create master plan

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – Greeneville City Schools (GCS) has been working to create a master plan to prepare for the future as they continue to see an increase in student population.

“What started out as a conversation about growth has also brought other things to light, such as the age of our facilities, the life span of major systems such as HVAC, plumbing, roofs, and those things,” said Steve Starnes, GCS director of schools.

Starnes told News Channel 11 that everything is on the table in terms of what could be done to improve the school system. Some items on the plan include improving school buildings and infrastructure, potentially adding athletic facilities to school campuses and more.

“The town contracted with a consultant, and we’ve been involved in a process with the consultant, looking at our needs,” said Starnes. “We’re trying to forecast our future enrollment and forecast our future capital needs.”

Starnes said that the average life span of a school is 50 years and all but one of the city school buildings is older than 50 years.

“Is that investment better to start from scratch? Is it better to renovate?” said Starnes. “Or is it better to continually try to chase and replace aging systems?”

Greeneville City Schools held a public meeting on Tuesday to gain input from the public about what they think should be included in the master plan.

“I think everybody needs to have a voice in the plans because it’s our community,” said Starnes. “Also being good stewards of our taxpayers’ funds and how can we best deliver the services that we want to provide to students and the community in the most efficient and effective way.”

Starnes said after a few more meetings with the city and the Greeneville Board of Education, they hope to have a finalized plan by fall.

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