Macon Co. schools set sights on new track and field complex
MACON COUNTY, AL (WSFA) - The Macon County Board of Education is looking for ways to provide the school system with additional funds, in order to meet the growing needs of its students. As of Wednesday, the school system is working on a project that would bring a new track and field complex to the county.
"Our students at K12 and even our students at the university level have to go and use other facilities elsewhere. We want to be running on our own soil,"
said Dr. Jacqueline Brooks, Macon Co. Schools Superintendent
The location of the new facility would be on Highway 199. The property is owned by the county and is about 130 acres.
"It is the perfect location. There is a trail system, a canopy along the creek and there is a beautiful field approaching it where we could do the track and field," said Roland Vaughn with VAST Solutions LLC.
The estimated funds needed will be nearly half a million dollars. While partnerships and gr ants are expected to absorb some of the cost, the school board plans to seek a half-cent sales tax from the county commission. Unlike other education systems in the area, Macon Co. doesn't currently receive a portion of sales tax revenue.
"Looking at something like a half cent sales tax it will generate a half million in a year and we would be able to bring this project to fruition," said Brooks. "We promised our kids this and we are going to get it."
Although the school system is one of the front runners pushing for the completion a recreational track and trail system the entire community will be able to benefit.
"It will be able to be used by the K-12 all the way up to the college level. It will be used for community programs and by the elderly and senior citizens," said Brooks.
Macon County Schools hopes to have the final plans drawn up by this Summer and have ground broken by the Fall.
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