Bryant School Board tours facilities

BRYANT, AR - Bryant School District board members took a tour of the two new facilities currently under construction, Hill Farm Elementary and an extension building to Bryant High School.

Bryant school board members explored both new buildings still currently under construction, which cost about $50 million combined. The school district's CFO, Richard Stipe, says the state of the art facilities will help accommodate the needs of students. "Growth is really driving the decision as much as anything, but at the same time our school board is very progressive and wants what's best for the students to learn."

The Bryant School District is growing on average by 300 additional students per year. Hill Farm Elementary will accommodate 620 students. The new addition to the high school includes 40 classrooms and a media center.

Bryant School Board President David Moore says the new classrooms are fantastic. "The technology we're going to have in the classrooms is state of the art and it is going to be a great facility for learning. That's what our community expects."

The money for the upgrades is coming from district savings and a tax payer millage increase. Stipe says that support proves people who choose to live in Bryant do so for the reputation of the schools. "Really everybody comes together and wants the best for our kids. They recognize the need for the growth, and also to provide the type of environment that's safe and conducive to learning."

The Bryant School District says the two construction projects will be completed this summer, just in time for the first day of school in August. The district plans to have more tours of both facilities as completion of construction nears. There will be a grand opening celebration for the public to see what they helped pay for.