Sep 9, 2004 2 min read

The Greene County Vocational-Technical School is expected soon to solicit bids for much needed renovations of the school. The project is a long time in coming, and those who represent the five school districts that jointly own and run the vo-tech deserve kudos for pulling it off. Consider how difficult it is for one school board to agree on renovation plans and the funding package to support it. Multiply that by five and factor in long-standing issues of co-pay to determine how difficult it is to accomplish projects at the vo-tech, even if the roof springs a leak.

Earlier this year the board heard a dire assessment of the building. Water damage had taken its toll. A leaky roof and a submersible pump running daily to expel water from one section of the school were not the only problems. Asbestos remained in some sections and the school is not handicapped accessible. The price tag of $3.7 million will be shared by each of the districts.

But to get there, each district had to separately approve of the project and a new articles of agreement that settled some concerns about student ratios and transportation but wisely left the door open to periodic renegotiations. Then each district had to agree to pay its share of the bond debt for the next 15 years.

All of those votes were recently counted, allowing the project to move forward. The vo-tech is an important tool in Greene County’s education system. It is encouraging to note that the districts, despite any lingering concerns regarding schedules, have extended commitments to ensure the school’s future.