The recent economic downturn is forcing officials to rethink their future school building improvement plans. Since the school system first started looking at possible building renovation and construction possibilities, the economy has taken a turn for the worst.

In coming years, Madison County’s middle school may call Hoover Ridge home. Madison County Public Schools officials are working to develop a timeline for future school construction and renovation projects – including building a new middle school.

Local organizations may now rent some of Madison County’s school buildings on an ongoing basis. At the school board’s regularly scheduled Aug. 11 meeting, the board approved revisions to a school policy – establishing fees and rules for some outside groups to lease school property.

Madison County’s school board may expand outside use of its buildings. Officials are considering revising an existing policy to allow local organizations to pay to lease its property on an ongoing basis.