School Board Moves Towards Interviews for White Pine Project
The Jefferson County School Board met last week to discuss the White Pine School renovation project and address concerns that a previous motion regarding the scope of design for the project did not include classroom additions. Though there were some differing opinions from the Board about the intent of the previous motion vs the actual recording of the motion, Jefferson County Finance Director Potts requested that the Board clean up the language to reflect the guidelines that were set for RFP’s.
Following a Motion by Board Member Cavanah and 2nd from Board Member Vines, the changes were made and approved in a 5-0 vote with Board Member Potts abstaining. The scope of design will include the kitchen, which was identified as the most problematic area, and classrooms. Board Member Potts and Bradley expressed concern that the current $2 million dollar funding level for the project, with $1 coming from the County Commission and $1 million from the Department of Education, may not be enough to cover both the kitchen and the additional classroom space, and questioned designating funds to design that may not be funded.
Cavanah countered that with the design in place the project will not be delayed. Board Member Vines stated that the charge from the County Commission included the kitchen and classrooms, which may require more than $2 million in funding and mean a trip back to the County Legislative Body for more money. The Board will begin the first stage of the project with architect selection. Five potential candidates will be interviewed by the full School Board on December 10th and the Board will list their choices in rank from one to five. Jefferson County Finance Director Potts and Director of Schools Edmonds will negotiate with the Board’s choices in order of rank regarding design costs. Interviews will be open to the public and will take place at the Patriot Academy starting at 4pm on December 10th.It was also determined that Board Member Cavanah and Board Member Vines will serve on the QCOC for the White Pine project.
