PULASKI COUNTY, VA – Parents in Pulaski County got their first look Wednesday night at a concept design for a new middle school.
It would potentially replace both Dublin and Pulaski Middle Schools, but supervisors may still be a long way from approving it.
Parents raved about the new building concept Wednesday. It spans more than 160 thousand square feet and includes many more windows and a new stem lab.
"When I looked at that, I was like that's where I want my child to go. I want them to go somewhere where it's aesthetically-pleasing and sunlight comes in through the ceiling, I want them to be somewhere where they have access to drama and band and a nice auditorium. I want that for my child," said Angela Clevinger, whose daughter goes to Pulaski Middle School.
Clevinger says what she does have for her daughter right now at Pulaski Middle, isn't cutting it.
"Her locker was invaded by mice. All of her classroom materials were chewed-up. Her clothes had mouse-droppings on them," said Clevinger.
Not to mention, the school does not have AC.
"I encourage you, on those 90 degree days, if you want to know what it's like in that school, to turn off your air conditioning and go about your day," said Clevinger.
WSLS also asked school board member Paige Cash why she feels the school needs to be replaced.
"The Pulaski Middle School was built before black and white TV, so does that help?" said Cash.
In fact, the middle school dates back to the 30's, but to replace it would cost more than $45 million, and to do it, the county would need to raise real estate taxes eight cents.
"This is the right thing to do. It's the right thing to do for the kids, it's the right thing to do for the citizens, it's the right thing to do to grow the county," said Cash.
Clevinger says for her, that would amount to an extra eight dollars a month, a sacrifice she is willing to make.
"If we do not support this with financial resources, then we are saying that our children aren't worth that investment. I'm not willing to say that," said Clevinger.
Supervisors will now likely take several months to review this project, as well as any comments left by people attending the meeting before making any decision.