Looking at a new school for Claxton
Commission makes moves for buying land for new school
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Anderson County Commissioners Tyler Mayes, first district; Phil Yager, eighth district; and Denise Palmer, second district, chat before an Anderson County Commission meeting. - Ben Pounds
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Anderson County Schools Director Tim Parrott (left) talks to Anderson County Commission Chairman Josh- ua Anderson before a meeting. - Ben Pounds
The Anderson County Commission has taken steps towards building a new school in Claxton.
The votes took place during the commission’s meeting on Monday, May 15, at the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton.
The new school will replace the current Claxton Elementary School, which is at 2218 Clinton Highway in Powell.
The commission voted to purchase 105 Fellowship Lane in Powell, the Crossroads Christ Fellowship site. Commissioners also voted to appropriate $3.2 million to purchase the land. However, the commission did not commit any funds yet for the school’s construction.
It instead voted to have the Budget Committee, which will meet Thursday June 1, take up the issue of additional funding for the new school. Director of Schools Tim Parrott said he could sell land at the Life Development Center to raise some of the funds.
“Claxton (Elementary) may look aesthetically pleasing to some, but what’s bubbling underneath the surface?” said First District Commissioner Tyler Mayes, regarding the current school and the reason for moving. The school lies within his district.
Parrott listed several problems with the current Claxton school, including its older plumbing and electrical systems.
He said the multiple buildings led to security issues with students traveling between locked buildings.
He said the Crossroads site includes room to expand. He said he also plans to work with the Tennessee Valley Authority on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) facilities for the school.