Plans Approved-Building 8 named David A. Holt Career and Technology Education Center
The Jefferson County School Board approved a plan for renovation and additions that will be sent to the County Commission this week. Previously, Cope, the architect firm that is preparing the plans for the project, came back with a plan that exceeded the $2 million dollars in funding that had been identified for the White Pine project. This week, they returned with an adjusted plan that came in just under the $2 million dollar mark, at $1.9 million. The Motion to take the plan as presented was offered by School Board member Vines and 2nd by School Board member Lowery. While the Board appears unanimous in its desire to see necessary improvements to White Pine, there was some question as to why Cope had not, yet, returned a plan that was in line with the RFP, which outlined a renovated kitchen area and eight classrooms for $2 million dollars. The current plan, which will go before the Count Commission on January 19th, does answer the kitchen needs but only includes four classrooms and has three offices and storage space. School Board member Potts and School Board member Cavanah, as well as School Board member Bradley, addressed the issue with Cope representatives, as well as dissatisfaction that the firm appears to have plans that extend well beyond the current funding or instruction but have not brought back a plan that addresses the original directive. While several Board members voiced concerns, the Motion to send the plan on to the County Commission was Approved with a 4-1-1 vote (Bradley No- Potts Abstained). The Board , with a Motion from Vines and 2nd from Lowery, will also request that the County Commission consider funding the entire renovation project for the price of $2,844,057. That motion passed 5-0-1 with Potts abstaining.
Under Items for Information, Jefferson County Finance Director Potts informed the Board that sales tax is strong and is currently running around 7% over projections. $200,000 is left in the high school renovation project and some funds could be left in the Building 8 project after final bills are paid. Director of Jefferson County Schools Edmonds stated that those funds will go a long way in answering paving needs. According to School’s Facilities Director Phagan, roofing projects are complete, with the exception of Rush Strong and those materials have been purchased and are awaiting good weather. Maury windows are out to bid and at the request of Board member Potts a total picture of windows in all schools with funding status will be presented to the Board.
Under New Business, the Board Approved (motion Bradley, 2nd Lowery) a request from John Cagle to name the newly renovated Building 8 the David A Holt Career and Technology Education Center. The Board also declared surplus property (Bradley/Cavanah), approved general housekeeping budget amendments( Potts/Bradley), approved the JCHS 2016/2017 Curriculum Guide (Vines/Savannah) and also approved a request to be sent to the state for Broadband Services (Cavanah/Vines). A request for approval on first reading review and adoption of Testing Programs-4.700 died for lack of a motion, but Policy changes on first reading were Approved on 4.605 Graduation Requirements, 6.414 Prevention and Treatment of Sudden Cardiac Arrest and 6.5001 Service Animals in District Facilities with a Motion from Bradley and 2nd from Potts. Board member Potts brought a request to eliminate personnel items, such as medical leave, retirement, transfer and assignment from the agenda packet due to confidentiality concerns. The Motion was 2nd by Bradley and Passed 5-0 with Vines abstaining.
In Unfinished Business, the Board Approved on second reading eight changes for review and adoption (Bradley/Lowery). A recent request for the Department of Education to take possession of two historic Log Cabins will be addressed at a later meeting, as particular information on cost and pictures of the cabins will be brought for review.
In other business, Board member Vines requested that hazing policies be reviewed with coaches and athletes.
