The architectural firm Kaatz Binkley presented the Bradley County School Board Thursday with an option to apply for a grant through FEMA after the April 2011 tornadoes that swept through the community. The grant is to build structurally sound buildings to withstand the destruction of future storms.
Although the board applied for several schools, the district approved one grant, which was awarded this week to Walker Valley High School. Director of Schools Johnny McDaniel said, "It's time to get started." He recommended the board ask Kaatz Binkley to start on the drawings, which will also include a cafeteria expansion at the cost of the system.
Angie Lyon of Kaatz Binkley gave the board an update on capital maintenance projects, which include re-roofing at Hopewell Elementary and re-roofing and HVAC renovations at Michigan Avenue and Ocoee Middle School. All of the bids were awarded to Parris Roofing. The bids for the HVAC renovation at Taylor Elementary were too high, so the board asked officials to go through the bid process again for Taylor. Besides Taylor, all of the bids were below the cost estimate.
Representatives from Bradley Central High School's Future Farmers of America (FFA) were recognized at the meeting for receiving their 45th consecutive National Gold Emblem Award. Arlette Robinson said, "Let me put (the enormity of) this in perspective for you - when the gold medals started, gas was 24 cents per gallon, minimum wage was $1.65 and you could buy a cheeseburger, fries and a milkshake for $1.89." She said it was a humbling experience standing with her club at the convention in Indiana with 55,700 members, advisors and guests and realizing, "How very great our program is."
The board unanimously approved the 2013-2014 calendar - Draft 1. It did away with the half-day Race to the Top trainings and has implemented two whole RTTT days into the calendar.
Schools will continue to enjoy a week-long fall break and three-day Thanksgiving break.