Massey issues capital plan before taking office

Matt Massey is superintendent of Madison County Schools. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON COUNTY – Madison County Schools Superintendent Matt Massey revealed his 2015 capital plan proposal in December.

Massey was sworn into office on Jan. 2 at the Davidson Center by Mary Scott Hunter, member of the Alabama State Board of Education.

“Capital projects should increase the quality of our educational experiences throughout the system,” Massey said.

County schools need upgrades to the information technology (IT) infrastructure. The network has increased pressure due to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). The backup network needs upgrades.

Concerning hardware needs, “74 percent of Madison County’s computers and servers are over three years old. Five percent of Huntsville City’s computers are more than three years old,” he said.

Massey proposes an upgrade to Monrovia’s K-8 schools at a price tag of $2.7 million. He said $14 million is needed for district-wide technology upgrades.

His plans call for a “a stronger Sparkman (High School)” with upgraded campus facilities and a performing arts center. Massey also wants a performing arts center at other larger campuses.

Feeder schools and their communities could use a first-class performing center. With more performance venues, programs for choral and instrumental music and drama will flourish. The system can save tens of thousands of dollars annually by avoiding rental charges for out-of-town venues, Massey said.

Every 7A high school north of Tuscaloosa has a performing arts center with one exception — Madison County Schools, he said.

Massey noted three misconceptions about Sparkman: The school is too large. Sparkman is overcrowded. Sparkman is growing.

“Sparkman Senior High is under capacity and will be for the foreseeable future,” Massey said.

Massey stated several reasons why Madison County Schools does not need a high school. “With a new school, we lose academic programs … and will have two incomplete campuses,” he said. “With a new school, we will have increased operational costs with no additional revenue.”

For more information, visit mattmassey2014.com/overview-2015-capital-plan-proposal.