Alternative Learning Center renovation project approved

SNOW HILL - The Greene County Commission approved a motion Wednesday to use more than $400,000 in N.C. Education Lottery funds to renovate the school district's alternative learning center.

Superintendent Patrick Miller and Greene County Schools finance director Nancy Harris presented the motion to the commissioners during a joint meeting held at the Greene County Office complex in Snow Hill.

The renovation work is expected to be complete in October, Miller said. The alternative learning center at Four Way Road was previously used for migrant education and a pre-school.

According to Harris, the renovation project will cost $472,644, which will leave Greene County Schools with about $300,000 in N.C. Education Lottery funds still available.

Miller said the renovated facility will be used to help teachers in the school district's Project Rescue and Redirection Alternative Program meet at risk students' needs. Both programs allow short and long-term suspended Greene County School students to maintain their regular academic schedule while receiving counseling or positive character reinforcement.

Several Greene County school board members thanked Miller and his staff for working to create a positive learning environment this year in the district.

For the new school year, there are 3,351 students enrolled in Greene County Schools, up from 3,327 students last year. Miller said there are 728 Hispanic students enrolled this year in the school district, up 22 percent from 2007.

Greene County students continue to adjust to the school district's new dress code standards, Miller said.

During the joint meeting, Greene County Manager Don Davenport said the county's revised jail design was complete and under review by state planners. Davenport said the design could be approved in late 2008 and presented for bid.

Last Thursday, Greene County's alternative water project construction began outside of Greenville, where water storage tanks and lines will be built to supply water to county residents.

Work also continues to bring wireless service to Greene County residents where it is not currently available. Davenport said officials have recently hosted town meetings - including in Hookerton - to discuss wireless service options for county residents.

Chris Lavender can be reached at (252) 559-1078 or clavender@freedomenc.com.