December 6, 2016 at 5:30 PM - Bradley County Board of Education Regular Meeting

Kyle Page, Scott Humberd, Chuck McKay, Johnny Mull, Arlette Robinson, Brittany Cannon and Patti Hunt gave a presentation to the Board about the American Uniform Project.  Dr. Cash began by telling the Board that a group went to visit Southwire which is a warehouse that is the inspiration for this project.  Everyone came back saying that we have to do this.  She explained that the purpose of the high school programming in this off-site academy is to collaborate with business, industry, and community partners to provide learning opportunities which include a combination of classroom instruction, skill development, on-the-job training, and the application of real work and life skills that employers demand and that students will need to be successful after graduation.  We think this is a game changer. 

Kyle Page told the Board that this project will take place in three phases.  Moving GOAL Academy into the building is Phase one.  Phase two will be getting business and industry partners.  Phase three will be including non-profit organizations, small retail businesses, maybe a bank, and it might look like a mall. 

Scott Humberd reported the condition of the structure and some estimates of what it would cost to get to Phase one with options for the complete project for the roof, HVAC, fire alarms, ADA and maintenance.  He also reported estimated technology cost and estimated cost to move the Technology Department. 

Johnny Mull gave some estimated cost for energy for the project. 

Arlette Robinson gave a few reasons that classes could be moved into this facility from our schools.  She told them that if the classes were moved, it would free up some space for other classes at the schools.  You could buy equipment for one location and students from both schools could use it.  She also told them that innovation comes from how we teach not what we teach and this site will allow for innovation.  Our business partners tell us what they want from us and with this set up will be able to help us get there. 

Patti Hunt told the Board about the possible business relationships that could serve students by providing training, internships, job shadowing, work experience and mentoring.  There could be help to fund the building with the business, industry, and non-profit organizations.  There are also grants that can be applied for and possible investors. 

Dianna Calfee asked who the stakeholders are, who owns this vision and how do we get them involved?  Gary Farlow from the Chamber of Commerce told the Board that this is one of the best proposals for a project of this type that he has seen.  He answered Mrs. Calfee's questions by saying that it might be you or you might want a third party property management group.  He also told them that he knows there is a manufacture in town that is already interested.  He said that you start with the option on the building and then begin exploring your other options.  Mr. Page asked Denise Rice if she thought there was interest in this project in the manufacturing world.  She has been in manufacturing for 25 years.  She told the Board that students are coming out of school and do not have the skills to fill the jobs.  They are absolutely interested and behind this project.  Nancy Caisson asked Matt Ryerson from United Way about the incubator being full.  He told them that it was full and had a waiting list.  He also said that there are non-profits that want to be involved. 

There have been good conversations with many people related to the County Commission, Dr. Cash told the Board.  She went on to say that schools cannot carry debt so we need to have discussions with the Commission about funding phase one of the project.  As we sell the properties, we will pay off the debt.  Chairman Dillard asked what the next step is.  Dr. Cash told them that she needs the Board to give her permission to seek funding to buy the American Uniform building.