June 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM - Bradley County Board of Education Work Session

Discussion:  Chairman Beaty called the meeting to order and welcomed dignitaries in attendance. 

Discussion:  Chairman Beaty made the Board aware of an executive approval made by the Board Chair and Director of Schools to have a sidewalk installed at Ocoee Middle School and a concrete pad at Michigan Avenue Elementary School.

Discussion:  Peter Ludman gave an update on the Bradley Central High School Vestibule. A pre-construction meeting was held this morning. Due to the small footprint of the project, costs were higher than expected. The contractor has been cooperative and has issued a notice to proceed, with a timeline of 122 days, targeting completion by early October. Construction will overlap with the start of the school year, but measures are in place to minimize its impact on school operations. Contracts are signed, and the project is moving forward smoothly. Dr. Lovingood asked the current price per square foot. Mr. Ludman added that is $600 per square foot. The current price per square foot is approximately $600, which exceeds the initial expectation of $450 to $500 per square foot. The higher cost is due to the project's scale and complexities.

Discussion:  Corbett Drew spoke to the Board about the upcoming Baseball Field House project. The project will start in the 2024-25 capital outlay period. No funds have been spent yet, and no architect has been retained. Meetings with the athletic department and baseball coach have established the program's requirements for a 1500-square-foot facility, including lockers, laundry, showers, restrooms, and coaches' offices. The plan involves constructing a pre-engineered metal building with a split-face block facade, estimated at $425 per square foot. Smaller sizes would increase costs due to lost economies of scale. Further updates, including surveys and due diligence, will be presented in July.

Discussion:  Corbett Drew gave the Board an update on the Bradley Central High School Science Wing. The science wing project has completed the schematic design, and we are awaiting approval of the FEMA grant. Once approved, the schematic design will need a two-month revision period to meet FEMA storm shelter standards, followed by four months for construction documents and the permitting process. This will add approximately six months before construction starts, which is expected to take 15-18 months.

Discussion:  Corbett Drew gave the Board an update on the status of the Walker Valley High School Bleacher purchase. The last discussion about the bleachers involved not proceeding with the previous approach and deciding to bid out the project instead. An RFQ has been prepared and included in the board packet. It asks respondents to provide quotes for two types of bleachers: I-beam bleachers on pier foundations and angle frame bleachers on a slab. Both options will be signed and sealed by a Tennessee registered engineer, allowing the board to compare bids and make an informed decision. Chairman Beaty asked if they would be required to bid both types of bleachers; I-beam and angle frame. Mr. Drew stated, "Yes, that's the way it's currently written. To give you all the discretion to choose between the two." 

Discussion:  Corbett Drew gave the Board an update on the Ocoee Middle School Special Education and CDC Additions. An updated schematic plan has been provided, showing a reconfiguration of the office and restroom areas for better space efficiency. The schematic design phase is complete. Construction documents are expected to be finished by early August, with construction starting in October and completing by early July. This timeline allows for the installation of furnishings and equipment before the 2025 school year begins. The project is currently on track with no anticipated issues.

Discussion:  Cobett Drew affirmed with the Board that the County Commission has agreed to fund $15.1 million for the Hopewell Expansion.

Discussion:  Cobett Drew gave the Board an overview of the two project options; Waterville Community and Park View Elementary. The work session aimed to prioritize and schedule two projects: Parkview and Waterville. Parkview, built in 2009, has sufficient capacity in its core facilities to expand without additional construction. Waterville lacks this capacity in its cafeteria and gymnasium. The proposed Waterville expansion would increase capacity from 600 to 780 students, with a current enrollment of 689, and a total budget of $7.39 million. Parkview's budget is $3.93 million, as it doesn't require core facility expansion. Prioritizing Parkview allows for quicker self-funding by the board, alleviating pressure at Michigan Avenue and Oak Grove through rezoning. Waterville's expansion would take longer.

Discussion:  Dr. Cash talked to the Board about the Blue springs property that is owned by the Bradley County Board of Education. A layout of the Blue Springs Road property is included in the packet. After visiting the site twice, it was found to be about 1.3 miles from the ADAP exit and 5 miles from exit 20. The nearly 20-acre property has access from both Blue Springs Road and Old Federal Road, providing two entrances and exits. Despite initial concerns about the nearby railroad, the front of the property is suitable for building a new elementary school, with the remainder available for playgrounds and fields. It was suggested to use evergreens or berms to screen the back of the property. The property is surrounded by churches and homes, with potential for future development. The recommendation is to build a school for 600 students, or for 400 with the capacity for future expansion. It was noted that while future development near exit 20 might require consideration, the current priority should be Blue Springs Road.

Discussion:  Kyle Page updated the Board on a potential future land purchase. The land on the north end, recently annexed by the city near Dry Valley Road and close to the Jetport, is being considered for development. The 163-acre property has multiple owners, and the developer has paused their plans but is open to partnering with the school system. The agent representing the property owners has expressed that they are open to the school system carving out a portion of the property and making an offer. Aerial maps highlight subdivisions in three zones near Michigan Avenue, showing significant development. The zones start next to Michigan Avenue Road, with ongoing developments moving north of Stuart and near the YMCA. North of Stuart, there are new developments not yet updated on Google Maps. North Lee has a massive development being cut into the ridge, impacting North Lee Elementary. The area around the Stewart Farm and Michigan Avenue is seen as an ideal location for future school development due to ongoing community growth. Dr. Cash gave the Board a suggested priority, saying, "What's most critical to the school system right now is, in my opinion, is an elementary school on the south side. But I think that you need to go ahead and purchase land for a middle school on the north end, and an elementary school on the north end. Because that's coming faster than you think, and to already have the property is a step in the right direction." 

Discussion:  Dr. Cash asked the Board to allow her to negotiate for land for a future middle school. A letter of intent is proposed for a 51.03-acre property in the north. This non-binding letter would allow for negotiations to begin without committing to a purchase. The board's approval is sought to present the letter of intent and start negotiations, with any final decisions brought back to the board for approval.

Discussion:  Susan Willcutt presented an updated coaching supplement for Middle School Coaches. A recommendation is requested regarding middle school coaching supplements. Historically, coaching supplements were reduced by 2% when junior high (grades 7-9) transitioned to middle school (grades 6-8), due to perceived differences in competitiveness. Mr. Mull has suggested restoring the 2% reduction, citing increased competitiveness, longer seasons, and higher turnover in middle school coaching. The current and projected pay scales were reviewed, with options for a 2% increase for head coaches and 1% for assistants costing $47,200, or a full 2% increase for all coaches costing $58,000. The budget can accommodate either option or none, based on the board's decision.

Discussion:  Ms. Beaty and Ms. Cash discuss possible salary increases for employees. Board members discussed potential budget adjustments to fund a 1% pay raise for all employees, which would total a 3% increase for the 2024-2025 School Year.

Discussion:  Mrs. Willcutt and Ms. Smith talked to the Board about the Federal Budget approval process. Mr. Taylor and Mrs. Lee discussed the board's approval process for federal budgets, with Mrs. Willcutt stating that the board's approval is not required for the Federal Budget. Dr. Cash suggested a more condensed format for the federal budget presentation to the board. 

Discussion:  With no other items to discuss, Chairman Beaty adjourned the meeting.




                                                                      
Vicki Beaty, Chairman



                                                                      
Dr. Linda Cash, Director of Schools