The Chattooga County Board of Education held a public hearing on Thursday evening concerning consolidating two elementary schools, both in Summerville.

The aging infrastructure of Summerville Elementary School is a concern to the Board of Education.  Figures for getting SES up to standards top the $6 million mark.  The county school system says that they can consolidate the school with Leroy Massey Elementary School for around $2.3 million. 

LMES sits on nearly 50 acres and according to school officials, there is plenty of room for expansion.  Dr. Dwight Pullen, superintendent of schools, said that the majority of money would come from SPLOST funds and that around $700,000 would come from the state.  According to Dr. Pullen, taxes would not have to be raised to go forward with the project.