School Building Authority Awards $1 Million for Simpson Elementary Project
By Jeff Toquinto on December 09, 2013 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
The West Virginia School Building Authority awarded the Harrison County School system $1 million today to help fund a project at Simpson Elementary that will remove the old tower at the school and do other improvements, Superintendent Susan Collins confirmed.
Collins and HCBOE President Mike Queen both said the decision came late this morning by the SBA. The money was awarded by the 
SBA under its Major Improvement Plan (MIP) program.
SBA under its Major Improvement Plan (MIP) program.
“I’m ecstatic,” said Collins. “The School Building Authority is always good to Harrison County, but I think it’s because Harrison County looks at projects that need to occur and when the SBA prioritizes these projects it shows. Plus, Harrison County is one of the few counties that put money behind projects.”
Collins said the total project at Simpson Elementary will be $2.7 million. She said the Harrison County BOE is committing roughly 63 percent of the total needed. The project will be substantial for a school that is the oldest in Harrison County.
“We’ll be tearing down the center portion, which is referred to as the tower,” said Queen. “The project will add new classrooms and a new cafeteria to the school.”
The BOE recently identified this project as one to be submitted to the SBA. Collins said the BOE submitted an application to the SBA, which was the first step, and today, the final step on the SBA’s end was taken.
“They actually go to the site and look at what you’re requesting funds for. I felt comfortable that Harrison County’s request would grade out high,” Collins said. “You look at the project and it involves a section of that school that is well over 100 years old. There was clearly a need.”
So when does the project start? Collins said most likely in the 2014-15 school year. Queen said other projects, including the Lumberport Middle project, are currently taking place, but putting together funds to complete the Simpson project will begin soon.
“Generally, excess levy money that is over and above what is anticipated primarily as the result of new construction is what allows us to fund this. I don’t think anyone questions this is a much-needed project,” Queen said.
Collins said she hopes to be able to see design work begin in short order. She said planning will also begin on what to do with fifth grade students at Simpson Elementary also during the 2014-15 school year.
“We’re going to need to displace students for one year to (Bridgeport) Middle School,” said Collins. “ … That’s the plan.”
Queen said it’s a small price to pay for a better learning environment for everyone.
“To get rid of that portion of the school and provide some much-needed improvements is big for Simpson,” Queen said.
Queen said future improvements are also being looked at for Simpson. He said doing this project would bring the school a step closer to a new gymnasium.
Also, Speaker of the House, Tim Miley, who resides in Bridgeport, applauded the SBA's decision.
"Bridgeport was recently named the best small town in the state to raise a young family, and the quality of the schools is a leading factor in that ranking,” Miley said. “This project will allow for the addition of much-needed classrooms and facilities to the 100-year-old structure, changes that will help Simpson Elementary continue to provide students with a great learning environment.”
Miley echoed Collins' comments regarding the BOE putting up funds. He said that makes a difference.
“The state School Building Authority takes that kind of contribution into consideration when determining which projects to fund,” Miley said. “The people in Bridgeport, and throughout the county, value their educational system and have shown a great willingness to support their schools. When you combine that with our outstanding educators, it is clear why Harrison County has such exemplary schools.”
