School buses, air conditioners top Vision 2020 needs list

JACKSON, Tenn. — Air conditioning units, buses and roofs are at the top of the list for the Jackson-Madison County School System.

“We know what we need to do, and we have a very aggressive list of needs we need to take care of in terms of our roofs and HVACs,” Superintendent Dr. Verna Ruffin said.

Ruffin says the school board designated just under $1.2 million to spend on Vision 2020 building renovations and another $1 million on building repairs.

“We have to make sure that we start next year with the Vision 2020 implementation. That is going to be a part of that $1.1 million that we just got put on hold for projects,” Ruffin said.

Many needs have come up unexpectedly, including an air conditioning system at Northside High School. Replacing the boiler would cost more than $500,000.

A new roof at Pope Elementary, which was planned for, is also going to take a half-million dollar price tag. Transportation for students is being included in next year’s budget, when the school system is hoping for eight more buses to get students to campus.

When more bids come in, the finance committee will hold a special called meeting next week to decide which projects can move forward.