INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — While School District staff moved into the new complex over the Thanksgiving break, the School Board is about to settle into its new dais Tuesday.
Current and former Superintendents and Board members cut the official ribbon on the $7.3 million building Monday evening.
“I’m excited, but not for myself,” said former School Board Chair Carol Johnson, who was part of the Board responsible for setting the course for the new complex. “I’m excited for all the people who work here.”
The complex replaces the former administration complex, which used to be the hospital – the same hospital where School Board member Matt McCain was born, he often shares.
Next door to Storm Grove Middle School and the Schools Support Services complex, the J.A. Thompson Administrative Center is located on 57th Street, just off 66th Avenue.
Assistant Superintendent of Finance Carter Morrison confirmed construction on the complex stayed on budget and did not require any borrowing of funds. The Board had set aside $3 million in capital funds and added approximately $1 million from the sale of two pieces of surplus pieces of land to funds left over from various other construction projects to cover the cost.
“We’re truly appreciative of the new space,” Morrison said while standing near a double row of cubicles surrounded by offices and file rooms.
Among those in attendance were the son and the granddaughter of J.A. Thompson, Jim Thompson and Laura Kennedy.
“He would be so proud,” Kennedy said of her grandfather’s reaction to the new complex. “It’s so beautiful.”
Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell showed off the Teacher Education Center, which doubles as the School Board room.
Dr. Rendell, who quipped that he had inherited the complex from former Superintendent Dr. Fran Adams, explained to the audience that it would have been a “waste of space and, in reality, a waste of taxpayer money” if the board room was simply that.
Instead, the Board opted to have the chambers double as training and meeting space. The room can be partitioned into two smaller meeting rooms accommodating approximately 50 people each. And, a dividing wall can be placed to hide School Board dais when not in use.
Already, the TEC has been in almost constant use since District staff moved into the complex late last year, Dr. Rendell said.
