Fayette County sets cost cap for Booth school renovation

Renovation of the existing J.C. Booth Middle School in Peachtree City will proceed even as construction of the new school building gets underway. The Fayette County Board of Education voted 4-1 at its April 27 virtual meeting to establish a guaranteed maximum price of $11,752,415 with MEJA Construction for the project. Brian Anderson voted against the measure citing “poor timing” amid uncertain budget projections. The overall project cost of $13.5 million will include construction as well as furniture, an energy management system and architectural/engineering fees. The initial work will begin this summer and covers new roofing and HVAC, plus flooring, lighting, paint and an updated kitchen. Approximately $6 million of funding will come from the state, but only if the current building is renovated before the new, larger building off Stagecoach Road is finished in 2021. The renovated Booth building will be used for one more school year before being converted into a center for career and technical education.