Total costs at the new East Brainerd Elementary School, which is set to get underway soon, are expected to be in the $25 million range, County Commission members were told Thursday.
The commission was also advised that it was decided not to reuse any of the former David Brainerd School buildings. They will all be torn down - including the gymnasium.
Upper grades from the current overcrowded East Brainerd Elementary are being housed this year in the David Brainerd buildings.
Architect Vance Travis showed drawings of the planned new school, which will be two-story. Grades PreK-2 are on the ground floor and grades 3-5 on the upper story. Also on the main floor will be the library and a large indoor play area with two music rooms.
The school is designed for 1,100 students and is expected to have 900-950 at the opening in 2014.
Gary Waters, who oversees county buildings and grounds, said the construction cost is expected to be around $22 million. On top of that are expenses for the architect and the engineering and other assorted expenses to ready the site.
The current main entrance is off Igou Gap Road. The new school will be built to face the new Goodwin Road, which is under construction. It will go from Gunbarrel Road to Jenkins Road. Igou Gap Road will be used as the school bus entrance.
There will be a roundabout at the entrance to the school.
The new school will also have a multi-handicapped program.
Mr. Waters said the last new elementary school that was build was in East Ridge and it cost about $15 million. But he said this school is quite a bit larger.
The new Ooltewah Elementary School, which is already underway, will also be near the $25 million mark.
Commissioner Greg Beck noted those two schools will take up the $50 million the county set aside for new schools. He said, "I am alarmed at how much our costs are rising, and I am concerned about where the money will come from for other new schools."
Commissioner Warren Mackey questioned the continued building of new schools when other schools, including Tyner, have plenty of space. He said the schools should consider some additional rezoning of students.
Commissioner Joe Graham said he was concerned that $3.5 million was spent to buy the David Brainerd School property and now all those buildings will be demolished.