Dear Pulaski Academy and Central School District Community,

On October 15, 2024, our community will have the opportunity to vote on an important Capital Project designed to enhance and preserve our school facilities. This project is the result of careful long-range and strategic planning by the PACS Board of Education and administration. Our primary goals are to advance high-quality academic programming, maintain and improve the efficacy of our school operations, and ensure that our facilities are prepared to support future generations of students. We understand the economic factors affecting our district and community, and we have designed this project to be forward-thinking while remaining fiscally responsible.

The proposed work focuses on renovating and preserving our existing infrastructure. This project will include crucial upgrades and restorations at both Lura M. Sharp Elementary School and Pulaski Middle-High School, including HVAC upgrades and partial roof replacement at both schools, masonry restoration at the elementary school, new lighting in the Middle-High School auditorium, new floors in the Middle School, and updated science classrooms in the Middle-High School. These improvements are essential to maintaining the integrity of our buildings and ensuring that our students and staff have a safe, comfortable, and modern environment in which to learn and work.

The total cost of the project is $26,000,000, which will be funded through state building aid, our capital reserve fund and retiring debt. It is important to emphasize that because of the timing of the project, the associated state aid, and the capital reserve fund we have established, there will be no additional tax increase for our community as a result of this project. This has been a top priority for our Board of Education, and we are proud to deliver a plan that meets our district’s needs without placing an additional financial burden on our taxpayers.

Taking care of our facilities is not just about maintaining our buildings; it’s about investing in the future of our students and community. Our schools are where our children learn, grow, and prepare for the future. By preserving and improving our facilities, we are ensuring that they have the resources they need to succeed, now and for years to come. Well-maintained facilities also contribute to the overall safety, security, and efficiency of our operations, allowing us to focus on what matters most: providing opportunities and programs for students that we can all be proud of.

Voting will take place on October 15, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Ringgold Fire Hall. Additionally, we invite you to attend a public presentation on October 8, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Pulaski Middle-High School library to learn more about the project and ask any questions you may have.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our children and our school.

Sincerely,

Tom Jennings, Superintendent