[Nfbwv-talk] FOLLOW-UP STORY ON WVSD&B FROM WV PUBLIC RADIO

[Jack Yahnke]

Thanks Ed,

I don't think it takes an auditor or a genius to figure this out.  They run 
into the same thing everytime they want to build a new consolidated school 
facility.  Property in town is too expensive and the outlying regions aren't 
a whole lot better.  Factor in running the utilities to the new facility and 
it is cheaper to renovate.  The real question is, "How poorly does the old 
facility meet the needs of the current mission".  As I've said, I have never 
seen the old one.  Good luck with whatever they decide.

Jack

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ed McDonald" <ed at eioproductions.com>
To: "NFBWV Discussion List" <nfbwv-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2013 12:55 PM
Subject: [Nfbwv-talk] FOLLOW-UP STORY ON WVSD&B FROM WV PUBLIC RADIO


Moving deaf, blind schools would cost more


By Cecelia Mason

January 30, 2013 · The West Virginia Board of Education is exploring the
possibility of moving the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind from
Romney to a more central location, but that might not be the most cost
efficient option.


The consultant who worked on the Schools for Deaf and Blind comprehensive
educational plan said it would cost in the ballpark of $20 million more to
move the schools than it would to renovate the Romney campus. The estimated
cost for renovations is $75 to $80 million.



David Ferguson, principle and architect at ZMM Architects and Engineers,
said to build a new campus the state would have to buy at least 30 to 40
acres in or adjacent to a city.



"And you're going to have to look at infrastructure to support the campus
with not only goods and services but you're going to have to look at
infrastructure for roadways and utilities, gas, electric, water, sewage,
those types of things that all play into effect on where the site would be
located," Ferguson said.



Ferguson pointed out the school board will also have to consider the effect
moving the schools will have on students and staff. He said some of the
highly specialized staff at the schools might not be able to move, and
students would lose continuity in instruction.



"Studies have show that it's at least three years to get the programs up and
running for that type of instruction because those people might be also be
very hard to find," he said. "Three years of instruction time to get it up
and running to where it was before they moved."



The comprehensive plan calls for modern classrooms with updated technology
and new residence space that will be more comfortable and home-like.



Ferguson said once the schools are brought up to today's standards Romney
might turn out to be a better location if the state board is interested in
attracting tuition-paying out of state students to the schools.


An audio version of this story can be found on the WV Public Radio web site
under "West Virginia News."

www.wvpubcast.org




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