Mitch Franklin displays a plan that he has drawn up for a proposed new middle school. He said he hopes the plan will help the school system lower the cost of the facility.

Board of Education's middle school push continues

Board of Education Member Mitch Franklin presented his rendering of single-floor plan proposal for a potential middle school during a Sept. 5 meeting of the board of education.

As Franklin prepared, Chairman Clarence Crouse said, "As most of you probably know, we've talked (about) a middle school for some time now. We've had some drawings from our architectural firm also with possibilities. In the meanwhile, Mitch had a concept in his mind a little bit different from the one the architects had. So, he's come up with some design work. This is just a personal concept he has at this time."

Franklin said he and a friend worked together on the concept that he anticipated would cost less and have a more feasible construction.

"It would be a separate facility for the exception of the media center and the additions to the auditorium building," he stated.

"It's pretty much a free-standing structure that goes behind the existing gym and...utilizes the same classroom sizes and number." Franklin then turned their attention to parking. Looking at his drawing, he said, "You can see this is where the parking would be out in front utilizing the front. Charles Street would go away but the same entrance would be utilized to go in front of the building, handicapped parking here and we've got an access lane further down 21." After placing the drawing on an easel so it could be seen by all, Franklin continued, "All of this building would be on the same level.