(Photo and story courtesy of Mount Vernon Optic-Herald)

School Board Takes Walking Tour of Facilities       Members of the Mount Vernon School Board toured the campus with architect Steve Hulsey and Facilities Manager Ken Cushion to survey repairs needed. Bids for the $20.5 million bond project came in approximately $1.5 million less than estimated. The board has elected to use these unallocated funds for repair projects on existing facilities and is preparing a wish list. Some of the items that were placed on the list were drainage for rain water from the roofs of the older campus structures and under the concrete walkways between these buildings, repair the soffits along exterior walkways, adding a cover for the walkway on the south side of the current elementary building, renovating restrooms in the older buildings, and renovating the mall area. Mr. Hulsey will prepare a cost estimate for each of the items, and the board will prioritize the projects during a future meeting.