VITAL POLICY – Jefferson County School Board Takes Three Steps to Break Jefferson Elementary School Stalemate

For the past few years, a majority of Jefferson County Commissioners have been asking for two simple things related to Jefferson Elementary School, a cost estimate on remodel and a cost estimate on the so-called Ibbetson Pod Plan to relocate students out of the current Jefferson Elementary School, and potentially add a new classroom pod at the JCHS Main Campus.

A majority of county commissioners have rejected multiple requests to issue bonds for a new Jefferson Elementary School because the school board has not provided requested information on other options. County taxpayers have also expressed a reluctance to go deeper in debt.

For a full analysis of the 2023 Ibbetson Pod Plan, a link is provided here. VITAL POLICY – The “Ibbetson Plan” for Jefferson Elementary School, Patriot Academy, and Jefferson County High School | The Jefferson County Post

County Commissioners have also stated repeatedly that accurate renovation numbers and other data are essential for making a good decision concerning taxpayer money and long-term debt. Last year, the county commission voted to ask the school board to provide estimates on the Ibbetson Pod Plan, but that request fell on deaf ears with a majority of the previous school board. Jefferson County is over 54 million dollars in debt (P+I)) for school construction, not counting the nursing home and landfill bonds.

A link to the county bond summary is provided here. See page 7. SODFYE24-2023-08-15-County-Only.pdf (jeffersoncountytn.gov)

Preliminary remodel numbers were provided by the former director of schools in the amount of 17 million dollars. However, this estimate was viewed as a wild guess because there was no identified scope of work, the construction industry was reeling from a labor and material shortage, and the remodel number was loosely based on 75% of rapidly fluctuating new construction cost. It was this guesswork back in 2021 and delays in getting requested data that placed the school board at odds with certain county commissioners.

“It is not too much to ask that the county commission be provided with proper financial information from the school board, which we have repeatedly asked for. We have a responsibility to look at all options before we put the county in more debt. Our taxpayers and students deserve the best overall solution.” – said Marcus Reed, District 10 County Commissioner

The people of Jefferson County spoke recently by electing two new school board members which immediately went to work to break the JES stalemate.

With two newly seated school board members, the majority voted on a series of motions to send the county commission accurate remodel numbers, an estimate on the pod plan, and to create a plan to remove students from the current Jefferson Elementary School. Voting yes were Doug Ibbetson, Josh Cameron, Dawn Mayer, Paul Hardy, and Danny Martin. Voting no were Randal Bradley and Bill Jarnigan.

David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and current Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level.