Pickens Schools Director of Operations Rick Little petitioned the school board for more money during last Thursday’s board of education meeting. The money request is for the current field house construction project, where a new field house is being constructed at the high school. Previously, the board approved $95, 000 for the project, with the expectation of receiving donations from the community in the form of materials and labor. During the meeting, though, Little said to date no donations have been forthcoming, save the sheriff’s department providing some inmate labor. Home Depot had initially expressed an interest in helping, but said it had moved onto other projects, he said. Little also said his staff has already worked on the underground plumbing and slab work and the sheriff’s department staff member will install the septic tank and make the final connections.

Based on collected information and pricing data, Little said the cost to complete the project will be approximately $104,700. Little then requested the board set a budget of $125,000 for the project. The amount would provide a cushion in case unexpected expenditures occurred and would prevent Little from returning to the board to ask for more money. Board Chair Wendy Lowe, however, thought the amount excessive.

“A hundred twenty five (thousand) seems like a lot over four hundred (thousand,”

she said, suggesting $110,000. In a compromise, board member Peggy Andrews made a motion to approve a budget for the project not to exceed $115,000. The board approved the motion unanimously.

(Rick Little pictured left)

“We’re building this building as cheap as you can build one,”

Little said.

Little said he expects to complete the project by the end of June.