CHAMBERS COUNTY- During Wednesday’s Chambers County School Board Meeting, Superintendent Dr. Sharon Weldon provided an update on the progress of the new consolidated high school.
“I assure you, there has been a lot happening regarding the new high school and the funding for its construction,” Weldon said. She emphasized that the board is focused on preparing for the unification of Lafayette and Valley High schools while maintaining the important traditions of both institutions. “We will create unity when the schools are combined, and we know things will be in order on the first day of school.”
Weldon reminded the board, media, and attendees that the district is under a federal court order to consolidate the high schools, a directive they must follow.
Regarding the chosen site for the new school, Weldon explained, “The site was selected during the 2023-2024 school year. In January or February of that year, the judge approved it, and all parties were informed that they had 60 days to file an appeal; none did. At that point, the site became a done deal.” She mentioned that in January 2025, they would sit down with Judge Watkins to move forward in the process. “As of today, we have managed to reduce the overall construction cost significantly since the project’s inception.”
Financing the Build
Moving forward, Weldon announced that they have secured a bond rating and are proud to have an A-plus rating for their ad valorem taxes and an A rating for their sales tax. “This demonstrates significant growth and stability in our county. With this bond rating, we were able to apply for bond insurance.”
She explained that the insurance would help lower interest rates and overall expenses once everything is in place. “Our final step is to get our financing approved by the State Board of Education,” Weldon added. She went on to elaborate on the sources of funding, noting, “We receive part of our funding from the Education Trust Fund. Unfortunately, the trust fund has not grown as much as anticipated.”
Weldon expressed hope for a reduction in the grocery tax, which could positively impact the Education Trust Fund, although it does not affect local taxes. “We are confident that we can manage the debt based on our current situation and the projected growth in our ad valorem and sales tax in Chambers County,” she stated.
Weldon has been collaborating with Chambers Tax Revenue Commissioner Beth Abney on potential funding options. “They’ve assessed our land and property values, and they are reappraising the properties. The projections she presented have been approved concerning ad valorem taxes, indicating significant increases. She anticipates our ad valorem tax will rise by at least 20%, and possibly more.”
Additionally, Weldon has been working with Valley Mayor Leonard Riley regarding anticipated growth in sales tax due to new industry developments. “Valley has provided me with projections. While he tends to be conservative, he is very competent in financial matters, and the outlook shows a significant increase in the sales tax we will receive.”
Weldon expressed confidence in the projections but noted that the State Department requires reassurance that all entities involved share this confidence. The City of Valley has already committed $1.5 million annually to cover potential shortfalls for the school, and discussions with the county commission about funding are ongoing. “This is going to happen, and we will get there,” Weldon affirmed.
While acknowledging the rising transportation costs, Weldon remains optimistic about the consolidation. “Although the prospect of consolidating the high schools concerns me, and I don’t like to think about students commuting long distances, consolidating the high schools is non-negotiable for the board and me. It is absolutely the best decision for our students and our community,” she concluded.
The meeting ended with the announcement of the new name and mascot for the school: introducing the soon-to-be Chambers County High School.
