Classroom project to apply for permits

The volunteer effort to build four classrooms at the Sisters Elementary School is nearing a major milestone.

"The drawings are basically 'engineer stamped.' We will soon submit them to the city and county for permits," said Schools Superintendent Steve Swisher.

"As soon as permits are completed we will break ground, hopefully right after July Fourth," he added.

At a meeting on June 5, a former board member of Nike met with project organizers. "He gave us ideas and concepts and said he would go back and visit with others at Nike on capturing this for distribution to other communities," Swisher said.

A representative from Pozzi Window also met with the group. "He took our application to Jeld Wen (owner of Pozzi) for both financial help from their foundation and construction supplies," said Swisher.

The cash requirement for supplies and labor not donated is expected to be as much as $100,000. Which is still only 25 percent of the estimated $400,000 it would otherwise cost to build the four classrooms without volunteers.

In the meantime, local support is building. Late last week another contractor contacted Swisher, offering not only labor but also a donation of tools to help establish a middle school shop.

Last week the steering committee raised a wall in Buck Run as part of a video filmed by local producer Joe Leonardi to help in raising funds for the project.