Eyeing an ambitious building program, the school board is hoping the county commission will share its vision of the future of learning in DeKalb County.

With potential prices ranging anywhere from $17 million to $45 million, according to what course is followed, the evaluation of current and future needs for the school system was shared Monday evening during a work session which commissioners were invited to attend. The meeting was held after the board of education met with representatives from Upland Design of Crossville to get an idea of what the county is looking at in the area of building, renovation and price.

The immediate finding was that Smithville Elementary, which is the oldest school in the county, built in 1959, needs to be replaced.  The study found the school has a mold problem, it is difficult to secure and is in a bad location. The study also found that DeKalb High and Middle School and North Elementary need work while West was rated as the best school. In the case of North, expansion and updating is an option. While DeKalb Middle, built in 1971, has challenges about security and has too small of an auditorium.

Derrick Clemow of Upland Design has shared six options the county may want to choose from when it comes to updating the county’s schools. The number of ideas will be vetted before a formal presentation is brought before the entire commission.

Nearby DeKalb High, built in 1963, which is school to over 850 students, is also in need of updating and repair and is tough to secure.
The plan the county adopts will be decided after a series of meetings on the matter.