The numbers have changed slightly due to recent appraisals and negotiations, but the Greeneville City Board of Education Thursday did agree to purchase the Greene Tech Center and the seven-plus acres on which it sits, as well as equipment inside the facility.
The negotiated agreement between Greeneville and Greene County will result in the McNeese Center next door becoming property of the Greene County Schools.
Director of Schools Steve Starnes recommended and the board approved dedicating the 1/4 cent sales tax that rolls off the school debt for Greeneville High renovations later this year to be used to assume the $1 million dollar debt for the purchase of the tech center. He believes that debt should be retired in seven years. The equipment, at a cost of $520,918.67 will be purchased with funds from debt service.
Several programs currently operating at the Greene Tech Center will continue next school year, but four programs at the Center will be cut. They are Automotive Collision Repair, Aviation, the second Health Science program and Criminal Justice. A dual enrollment opportunity remains open for for aviation through Aviation Jumpstart, a program offered by Northeast State. Counselors will work with students to help them find another program of interest
Beginning in the fall, Health Science-Pre Nursing will move to Greeneville High School as part of the Ballad Academy Initiative. Machine Tool , Welding, Industrial Maintenance, Automotive Maintenance and light repair , Cosmetology and Culinary Arts will still be offered on the GTC campus.
