It’s great news for FFA students and staff at WCHS as a $68,000 ag barn bid was accepted during Wednesday’s specially called School Board meeting.

“Mr. Hill, our architect, sent me a recommendation this evening recommending Summertime Metals as the low bid,” said Director of Schools Bobby Cox. “That would include a 64-by-60 building with side extensions with concrete floors.”

The motion to accept the bid was unanimously approved by the School Board. 

The agriculture barn’s location is still under consideration primarily due to utility concerns. Maintenance director David Northcutt provided a map to show known utilities. 

“There are sewer and electric lines coming across the drive there,” explained Cox. “On the back side of that closest to the football field, we know there is a water line there and some drainage. That’s what we know right now.”

Danielle Smith, WCHS Agriculture Education and FFA advisor, requested further financial support after the barn is built. 

“Since we did go with an option that’s about $30,000 less than what the quote was last week … once it is built, we are going to have to buy panels,” said Smith. “A panel is about $130 per panel so per pin that is four panels. Is there any possibility, if what is currently in the FFA account, if we can use that to furnish the barn?”

Answered Cox, “I think we will have to take a look at that and see because one of the things we are going to have to do is run the utilities to it as well and we don’t know exactly how much that is going to be. You can work with Ms. Risinger there to work with the inside part. She has a CTE budget.” 

At this time, the completion cost is unknown as well as construction time.