Stimulus money to pay for new school

By By Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle’s bid for a new high school received a huge leg up Monday.
Gov. Bob Riley announced $22.1 million in funding to go towards the construction of a new high school. The money comes from federal stimulus funds designed to boost the sagging economy.
Hartselle is one of 46 school systems receiving money through the program. The city is receiving the second highest amount of any system, coming in only behind Madison City’s system, which is receiving $36 million. That money will also go towards the construction of a new high school.
The money will come in the form of interest-free bonds. In turn, city leaders said they will pass a sales tax to cover the additional cost associated with the school construction.
“Modern and safe schools will help better prepare our students for the future,” Governor Bob Riley said. “With these bonds, systems can repair, renovate, and construct much-needed schools while also stimulating our economy.”
Allocations for the other school systems are based on a formula taking into consideration each system’s ability to repay the bonds, the percent of students on free or reduced lunch, and per-pupil expenditures from local funding sources.