The Chilton County Board of Education voted to commit $160,000 to renovating the former Jemison Middle School building located next to the current Jemison High School building off Highway 31.

“The renovations will get us approximately 10 classrooms,” Superintendent Dave Hayden said Tuesday. “We will use some for storage for a while because we don’t need 10. It will give us office space.”

Hayden said JHS Principal Allen Wilson had expressed concerns recently about overcrowding at the high school with a large eighth grade class coming up.

The extra space the former JMS building would provide could also be used for teacher workrooms, and Hayden said part of the renovations have already been completed.

According to Hayden, the restrooms were renovated about five years ago, along with the heating and cooling system.

Pending renovations to the building include upgrading the Internet and communications system, which could total nearly $40,000 alone, installing security cameras and making sure fire alarms are functioning properly and in accordance with current fire code standards.

Hayden said funding for the project will be capital improvement money and possibly local funds for paint and other less expensive materials.

“For what we’re getting, it’s a pretty good deal,” Hayden said.

For more from Tuesday’s meeting, see the Thursday edition of The Clanton Advertiser.