Jackson Free Press

Nearly three years after the Jackson Public School District passed a $150 million bond issue for a capital improvement program to aid deteriorating infrastructure and overcrowding, renovations are complete at two Jackson elementary schools.

A ribbon cutting ceremony Monday night at Marshall Elementary School (2909 Oak Forest Dr.) and another tonight at 6 p.m. at North Jackson Elementary School (650 James M. Davis Drive) mark a new beginning for the school year that begins tomorrow, August 12.

Marshall Elementary School, built in 1956, completed $1.6 million in renovations that include eight classrooms, a teacher workroom, restrooms, various storage areas and a new paved playground area. Renovations that cost $940,800 at North Jackson Elementary School, built in 1980, include four upper elementary classrooms.

South Jackson has experienced a great deal of growth, said JPS Communications Specialist Sherwin Johnson, which has increased the demand for additional classrooms and schools.

"There are a lot of factors and new developments behind Forrest Hills High School and the new housing community—Timber Falls—that can be attributed," Johnson said.

The district's capital improvement program includes a total of 13 major projects.

Currently, construction is underway for a new building addition at Casey Middle School that should be completed in October. Thomas Cardoza, Henry J. Kirksey and Blackburn middle schools, as well as Noel Bates Elementary School are also constructing new buildings that are expected to open in Fall 2010.

Peeples Middle School is the only school in the district that will be completely demolished and rebuilt. The new school is also scheduled to open in the fall of 2010.

School board member Jonathan Larkin recalled the success of the 2006 bond referendum that garnered approximately 80 percent approval by Jackson voters. By federal law, school bond referendums must receive 60 percent voter approval in order to pass.

Larkin told the JFP that the wide support stemmed from the collaboration of the local business community, parents and JPS.

"Too many needs had gone on for too many years," he said. "The last bond issue was 35 years before that with a small amount that came through in the 90s. Populations were shifting and we needed to repair schools."