Associated Press Published

Agency Nixes Consolidation Funding Plan

Fayette County Map

The state School Building Authority has rejected a funding plan for the consolidation of four high schools in Fayette County.

The authority voted Monday to deny the county’s request to let it compete with other counties for state funding to build a new high school. The authority distributes money raised from both state general revenue and lottery funds.

The state Board of Education voted this month to combine Fayetteville, Meadow Bridge, Midland Trail and Oak Hill high schools. The county then sought funding of up to $58 million for the new school.

Authority board members were concerned that neither Fayette County’s residents nor the local school board voted for the consolidation plan.

County voters in June rejected a bond issue that would have consolidated three high schools.