The Athens City School Board presented a feasibility study for a middle school project at last night's regular school board meeting.

Fanning/Howey Associates, Inc. of Dublin, conducted the study to aid school board officials in their decision to construct a new school building or to renovate the current one. Kent Underwood, project manager of the firm, gave a brief overview of the study.

First, the board assessed the study educationally by meeting with the administrators of the middle school and evaluating drawings of the building to see how it "measured up" to modern facilities. Next, structural aspects of the building, such as windows and doors, were looked at. Finally, a staff of engineers went through the building to look at the electrical, mechanical and plumbing system needs.

The firm came up with a figure of $11.9 million to renovate the existing building, which dates back to the 1920s.

Underwood said the firm decided it would be able to construct a new middle school for $11.6 million to $14.4 million. This would ensure the building would be constructed with durable materials meeting today's standards and rooms would be suited to modern educational programs.

Roger Watson, Athens City School Board president, said the board hopes to reach a decision on the project's next step by the regular meeting on June 24.

If the school board decides to move forward on one of the two middle school options, the plan will be put before the public with a bond issue in November.

Watson said there will be at least 12 separate meetings during May that community members will be able to participate in and voice their opinions about the project.

"We need to ask, 'Can it be renovated? How much money will it take? How long will it take?'" Watson said.

Underwood said the firm projected the following dates for the possible completion of the project: