Wythe County unsure of school construction plan

WYTHEVILLE (WSLS 10) - The Wythe County School Board wants to make major changes at three schools, but money concerns could keep that from happening.

On Tuesday, Superintendent Jeff Perry presented a plan for new construction and renovations to George Wythe High School, Scott Memorial Middle School and Spiller Elementary School.

Implementing the plan would likely cost more than $60 million. The board of supervisors said there is no money in this year's budget for capital improvements, and that state cuts could make this unrealistic altogether.

"This snowball has to stop somewhere," said board member Joe Hale. "To take on a new responsibility, facing that snowball, it's not the time. I'm willing to go along with it."

The school board argued that because most of the schools were built in the 1950s, something has to be done soon.

"In 2016, we have buildings that do not have air conditioning," explained Perry.

The board of supervisors said it will begin discussing possible money for this plan in January.