At the Bradley County Board of Education meeting, David Brown, with Kaatz, Binkley Jones and Morris gave an update on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant with "bittersweet, but good news."
Mr. Brown said all three grants applied for were approved, but there is only money for one project right now. Because of that, he recommended the board move ahead with the classroom addition at Walker Valley High School. "You would get a lot more bang for your buck there," he said.
Director of Schools Johnny McDaniel said, "I know Lake Forest Middle School is our number one priority, but for the use of this money we'd get a lot in return.”
Mr. Brown told the board members the sooner they make a decision the better. "We can potentially have the project completed by next school year." he said. The monies for the other projects will not be available until another major disaster in Tennessee, which board member Troy Weathers reminded the board "could be another 10 years.”
Cason Conn of TriCon Construction reported to the board that the construction on the gymnasium of Michigan Avenue Elementary School will be complete by the end of April.
Mr. Conn said bids have been collected for the demolition of the property recently acquired by the school on Benton Pike. Although he is still waiting for a third bid for demolition, Mr. Conn said it will be no more than $5,000.
The demolition is complete at the Blue Springs property destroyed in the 2011 tornadoes and the director of schools said the property is "in good shape after the demolition." Mr. McDaniel said workers were able to leave the concrete pads for potential pavilions or basketball courts, and the commission has even discussed offering the property to the Boys and Girls Club.
The board will meet for a voting work session to discuss its budget, as well as how to move forward with the grant monies on May 1 at 4:30 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be May 8 at 4 p.m.