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PUTNAM NEWS
Residents show concern about modular classroom
WINFIELD -- A Putnam County Board of Education plan to place a modular classroom building at George Washington Elementary in Eleanor is causing some concern for town residents.
The board wants to use the modular unit to accommodate increasing enrollment at the elementary school. Eleanor Mayor Fred Halstead addressed the board during its regular Monday night meeting.
"We don't want trailers in town," Halstead told the board. "While the board (of education) is exempt from building permits, within our city, permits are required. We ask that the board reconsider."
The mayor said that he and the town of Eleanor want what is best for the children, but they are also trying to protect the integrity of their quaint little community.
"The building is a $500,000 structure; not a trailer," countered Board of Education member Deborah Phillips. "It has a 50-year guarantee.
"We have to meet state building code regulations," Phillips continued. "We will meet and exceed those regulations."
Halstead said his town wants to cooperate with the school board, but he will put up a fight, if it comes to that, to enforce the no-trailer ordinance that was implemented in 1979.
Board member Jack Coyner moved to approve the contract of G&G Builders for site work, foundation and the utility package for the modular classrooms. Board member Dr. Samuel P. Sentelle seconded the motion.
In other business Monday:
Bids were approved to construct two tennis courts at Winfield High, and to re-roof wings A and B of the Putnam Technical Center Roof. All employee assignments were unanimously approved by the Board. Greg Spicer was absent from the meeting.
Phase II of an archeological study at the Buffalo High site was approved. Any time building is to take place on undisturbed land, such a study is required to see whether there is historic significance to the site.
The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 6 at the board office in Winfield.
