Several school board members said Thursday they support pulling money from the system's $59 million fund balance to fix several stadiums rather than continuing to wrangle with the County Commission over a cell tower at East Ridge High.
David Testerman said, "I am ready to take it from the fund balance and go ahead and fix several stadiums instead of piecemealing it."
He said he would prepare a resolution for next Thursday night, and George Ricks said he will second it.
Mr. Ricks said, "Let's do East Ridge, Howard and Tyner so our kids can be proud."
Chairman Jonathan Welch said, "I can't tell you how tired I am of talking about cell towers and stadiums. We're arguing about a tower that's not even there."
The County Commission had held up on approving a new cell tower at East Ridge High, while wanting the school board to let the money go toward a new East Ridge High football stadium. The board earlier allotted it to the technology program, which is similar to the use of funds from other cell towers on school property.
Karitsa Mosley said the commission was using "a bullying tactic" against the school board.
Chairman Welch said the County Commission needs to take action "so we don't lose the whole thing."
In other action, the board discussed policy on field trips in the aftermath of a rape incident at Gatlinburg involving basketball players.
Greg Martin said there has been some push back from the community on a new requirement that chaperones have background checks costing $50.
However, he understood it may be necessity for liability purposes.
Joe Galloway said an incident can happen at any time. He told of leading a trip to Florida with seven adults and 24 students. He said, "I checked them at midnight and 2 a.m., but I didn't check them at 4. I had to sleep sometime."
Several board members said they did not want to include a requirement that there be a certified school employee with every 15 students. Mr. Galloway said principals and teachers routinely turn to adult helpers they most trust.