The Troy City School Board approved a five-year Capital Plan Monday that will make several improvements at Charles Henderson High School and build a new Central Office.

“We have to have the board approve a capital plan each year,” said Troy City Schools Superintendent Linda Felton-Smith. “The Capital Plan deals with the improvement of facilities.”

The 2009-2013 Capital Plan has five key items on its agenda, the first being the construction to CHHS’s roof that is already taking place, Felton-Smith said.

“We won’t be able to pay that bill before we close our books on September 30, and so it will roll over into the next year,” Felton-Smith said.

But next on the to-do list is the construction of a new Board of Education building, which Felton-Smith said is much needed.

“We continue to have leaks and mold problems,” Felton-Smith said. “So we put the replacement of this building as our second priority item.”

Felton-Smith said board members have not yet determined a location for a new central office.

Also on the plan is to paint the bleachers and build a new cafeteria at CHHS, upgrade the system’s electrical circuits and add several more handicap-friendly classrooms at the schools.

The board also approved the hire of a new LPN Nurse, Kitty Benton, who will begin employment at Troy Elementary School this week.

Felton-Smith said only one vacancy remains open at Charles Henderson Middle School, which is a records clerk position.

Teachers from Troy Elementary School made a presentation of their newly enacted reading program to board members.

The Scott Foresman Reading Streets program provides a consistent way to teach reading through all elementary grade levels, said Wendy Watson, a teacher at TES.

“I couldn’t find one child that’s not absolutely engaged,” Watson said. “They just love this.”

Felton-Smith said the reading program is an important tool in the curriculum at TES.

“Reading is the foundation of everything we do, and we look forward to hearing great things from our reading program,” Felton-Smith said.

Long-time school system employee Toni Stetson was awarded the Star Award for this month by the school board.

Stetson, who is retiring this year, has played an important role in Troy City Schools system, board members said.

“Dr. Stetson, we wish you the very best and thank you for all you have done,” said board member Roxie Kitchens.

Felton-Smith announced to the board, Kitchens will serve as the new District 3 director for the Alabama School Board Association.

The next board meeting will be held at 5:15 p.m. on October 27.