Supt. Rick Smith said Thursday it will be "pricey" to build an addition at East Hamilton Middle/High School and a new Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts.
He estimated $45 million for East Hamilton and $50 million for a K-12 CSLA.
But he said growth is continuing so rapidly in that section of the county that the construction is needed.
He said East Hamilton has over 1,800 students and Ooltewah High is approaching 1,700.
Supt. Smith said new schools like Ooltewah Elementary and East Brainerd are also bursting at the seams. He said Ooltewah Elementary is at 920 and East Brainerd at 907.
But board member Rhonda Thurman said she does not believe a $50 million expense for the CSLA magnet school will fly with the County Commission. She said it draws from all across the county - not just from the crowded East Brainerd/Ooltewah section.
Ms. Thurman recommended instead making better use of Tyner Academy, which she said at one time held 1,400 students but now has much less. She said it would make a good vocational school for students who want that type training.
The board was told that the Gann-Middle Valley school is on track to open next year and that work should start soon on the Sale Creek addition and remodeling.
Supt. Smith said it is important to proceed with additions at Wolftever Elementary and Nolan Elementary.