The presentation has been made and the waiting game has begun. Now, the only things left are to learn if the School Building Authority will give its approval on funding for a new Johnson Elementary School and to officially determine the exact location of where the school will be.

 

While one of those things is a complete unknown, the other is at least tentatively figured out, according to Harrison County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Manchin. Manchin said the project, if approved, will be built on existing BOE property near the school and he said he has an idea where he would like to see it be located.

 

“If you’re looking at the school, and it’s still premature as to what we’re considering, is building the new elementary school forward and to the left of the existing building,” said Manchin. “That certainly could change as we’ll have to bring in an architectural and engineering firm in to see if that’s feasible. First, though, we have to get the funding.”

 

The first step on that was taken last week. On Nov. 9, Manchin was joined by BOE President Doug Hogue, BOE Vice President Frank Devono, Neil Quinn (BOE Clerk of the Works) and officials from the City of Bridgeport. On that day, the Harrison County delegation was one of 20 county boards making a pitch to the West Virginia School Building Authority for funding.

 

“We’re requesting roughly $10.7 million. The entire project would be $16.7 million with our match and that final total, which is based on the school building’s own formula, could end up going up or down just a little bit,” said Manchin. “The taxpayers will be contributing a good portion to this project, which is something the SBA looks at favorably.”

 

As for the presentation itself, Manchin said it went well.

 

“I feel confident about it, but having sat on the other side of the table, you can’t be overly confident that you’re going to be successful,” said Manchin, a past executive director of the SBA. “What I do know is that this project addresses a number of issues, including the finances, which they like to see included in proposals.”

 

Manchin said along with Harrison County contributing significantly to the project, there are other things the SBA should look at that will help the local group’s chances. He said the building will be designed with key health and safety issues addressed to the plan is to design it to become LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design), which means the building is more a “green” building with the latest environmental standards.

 

“Those are all important, but I can assure you as past director the big thing is having a significant local contribution,” said Manchin. “We have that.”

 

Manchin also gave more details about the building. Along with a more definitive price tag, a new building would be 65,000 square feet, which is roughly 20,000 square feet more than the current facility. It would also encompass two stories and allow for up to 700 students.

 

“Currently, the school is at 587 students and that would tentatively allow us to add in the pre-school students, which numbers between 90 and 100,” said Manchin. “Again, that’s tentative.”

 

One of the key features will be a new gymnasium. Currently, physical education is often held in classrooms, the hallways and on good weather days outdoors or at Wayne Jamison Field.   

 

“If we can get this funded, it’s my desire to design the new building at or near the existing site and do it in a way that we don’t have to demolish the existing building and displace students during the process,” said Manchin. “The goal would be to leave the existing building for as long as we can, but that’s a question that the architects and engineers would have to answer if we are chosen.”

 

Manchin said that the site does have some issues involving the flood plain, but that he did not consider those issues “major.” He added that Bridgeport Assistant City Manager Jimmy Smith addressed those issues during the presentation last week to the SBA.

 

Although building on the same site would eliminate a lot of problems, Manchin said it would – like any major construction projects in or near a main roadway and residential area – create some issues. And he said they can’t be avoided.

 

“During my time with the SBA, I was involved with nearly a billion dollars in school construction and even though you try to minimize the inconvenience you still have some,” said Manchin. “We’ll do everything to minimize those inconveniences if we’re fortunate enough to get funded, but you’re going to have short periods of times where it will impact the community. Ultimately, if this goes through, the finished product will make everything worthwhile.”

 

One thing that will be beneficial when completed is that Manchin said the SBA’s guidelines for new schools may help with the often cluttered traffic flow along Johnson Avenue on school drop off and pickup times. He said new schools have to have teacher and parent parking as well as student and bus loops designed to avoid the co-mingling that can take place.

 

Johnson, for years, has been listed as one of the top schools needing replaced in Harrison County. Along with multiple issues involving the structure itself, mold and air quality issues have been major issues. The school’s four modular classrooms also are void of an intercom system, security access points and fire alarms.

 

“We’ll find out in about a month,” said Manchin.

 

Manchin said the decisions on who receives part of nearly $50 million in SBA funding will come Dec. 14. The announcements will likely be made early that morning, he said.

 

Editor's Note: Pictured above is Dr. Mark Manchin, while JES is shown in the second photo. BOE President Doug Hogue, who was at last week's SBA presentation, is shown in the third photo. Bottom picture shows a combined set of photos showing mold in classrooms that was used during a past presenation on JES woes to the board of education.