(From release) Today the superintendents from Madison County’s three public school systems and other local officials unveiled a combined capital plan that will spend $297 million to build new schools across the City of Huntsville, City of Madison and Madison County.
This commitment represents the BRAC Bond funds that each school will receive as well as internal capital invested by the systems. Taken together, the investment represents a huge commitment by Madison County’s three school systems and local governments to ensure our schools remain among the best in the nation.
“I know of no other community in the country making this type of commitment to new schools,” said Dale Strong, Chairman of the Madison County Commission. “This announcement will transform our community and put us squarely in the national spotlight as we continue to recruit new industry and attract the technology jobs of tomorrow.”
Mayor Battle cited the $297 million investment as a number that will get the attention of new companies. “Huntsville is well known for its intellectual capital, and companies expect to find an exceptional standard of excellence within our educational system, too," said Battle.
Madison Mayor Troy Trulock agrees that outstanding school systems are great for our youth, our families and our quality of life. “We decided to retire from the military, stay in our community, and raise our children in a great school system,” Trulock said of his family. “Our continued investment in our school systems will make us the community of choice for families and businesses coming to the Tennessee Valley now and into the future.”
The impact this announcement will have on new companies eying our community is clear, according to Ron Poteat, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County and president for the North Alabama area of Regions Bank. "The quality of our public schools plays a significant role in economic development. Investments that support student achievement are a clear indication that we are committed to education and serious about growing our economy."
Much of the funding included in the announcement came from BRAC Bond legislation passed by the Alabama Legislature to help communities handle growth created by past BRAC rounds and will be a factor in upcoming BRAC decisions, according to Maj. Gen. (ret.) James R. Myles, Senior Vice President of DynAviation, DynCorp International.
“The quality of public schools is considered a vital national security issue, especially where military and defense-connected students are enrolled,” Myles said. “Public schools will be a factor in future Base Realignment and Closure decisions, and they are a factor for defense contractors who are considering bringing jobs to Alabama. New and renovated facilities send a strong message to decision makers, to employers, and to parents about the community’s commitment to public education.”
Superintendent Casey Wardynski spoke about how these capital funds will help Huntsville City Schools continue to lead the way in utilizing technology to teach our children. “Huntsville City Schools is dedicated to providing facilities that afford every student access to effective, personalized instruction in safe and orderly educational centers of excellence. The new facilities plan underway will provide nearly $200 million in new school construction to meet these objectives.”
The Madison County School System has established an aggressive building plan that will see new schools in Madison County and allow the system to eliminate approximately 40 portable classrooms. The district will provide a new high school, a new intermediate school and much needed renovations and additions to present facilities. “We are grateful for this opportunity for Madison County Schools, which will enhance the learning environment for our students, increase student safety and alleviate over-crowding in our schools,” Copeland said.
Madison City Schools Superintendent Dee Fowler cited the unprecedented partnership between the State of Alabama, the Madison City Council and Mayor as well as the school board to provide the funding needed to keep up with a growing system.
“This is a giant step for capital improvements for our system,” Fowler said. “Without this partnership - coupled with the new James Clemens High School which opened last year and the new Mill Creek Elementary school - we could not keep up with the rapid growth. Now we can continue the renovation of Bob Jones High school and make other investments across our system that will prepare us for the future.”