Scott County Board of Education Takes Major Steps for School Improvements

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News Summary

The Scott County Board of Education approved significant construction bids for Huntsville Elementary School, including a new playroom and asbestos removal.

Scott County Board of Education Takes Major Steps for School Improvements

The Scott County Board of Education met in a special session on Thursday afternoon where significant bids were approved for construction and enhancements at Huntsville Elementary School. Notably, the board greenlighted the construction of a new playroom, highlighting their commitment to improving student facilities.

New Playroom Plans Unveiled

The approved bid for the construction of the playroom, amounting to $2.19 million, was awarded to Knoxville-based Preen Construction, the lowest of two submitted bids. This playroom will feature a playing floor comparable in size to the gymnasium at Scott High School, alongside amenities such as bleachers with a seating capacity of 575, restrooms, a concession stand, and an intervention room. The total projected cost for this playroom project is about $2.34 million.

Funding for this ambitious project comes primarily from the county’s rural capital fund, which has already allocated $1.4 million for it. The board is also looking to include an additional $800,000 in the same fund for the fiscal year of 2025-2026, pending approval. Once this budget is confirmed, only $100,000 of the playroom cost will remain unfunded.

Asbestos Removal and Safety Improvements

In a necessary step for health and safety, the school board also approved a bid from Asbestos Management Environmental Solutions for the removal of asbestos within the school. Their bid of $51,955 will allow for the subsequent replacement of flooring in affected areas. This firm has a longstanding partnership with the school system, ensuring familiarity and reliability with their work.

The school board emphasized that asbestos removal is a priority, reflecting their commitment to providing a safe learning environment. Additionally, they approved several other capital projects, which include:

Replacement of asbestos-containing fascia boards at Scott High School
Installation of a video board and improvements at the football stadium
Remodeling the library and cafeteria at Robbins School for tutoring spaces
New flooring and bleachers at Huntsville Middle School
Enhancements at Burchfield School, including new bleachers and playground equipment
New playground equipment at Winfield School
Additional parking and lighting at Fairview School

All these initiatives are set to be financed through the rural capital fund, which allocates approximately $800,000 annually for school improvements. The total estimated cost for all approved projects shines close to $1.5 million, aiming to enhance the educational experience within the district.

Upcoming Funding Conversations

The Scott County Commission will convene on June 2 to evaluate and discuss funding requests made by the school board for projects at Huntsville Elementary School. This meeting is crucial for determining the momentum of these significant improvements in local schools.

Safety Measures Following Recent Incident

In a separate matter affecting school safety, an incident involving a firearm occurred at Challenger Elementary School on Thursday afternoon. A second-grade student’s backpack accidentally discharged, resulting in a bullet lodging in another student’s laptop backpack. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, though one student did report a ringing sensation in their ears.

In response to the incident, Huntsville City Schools implemented safety protocols and cooperated with law enforcement agencies. Acknowledging the need for enhanced security measures, board member Andrea Alvarez advocated for the quick installation of weapons detection devices across elementary schools, similar to those planned for middle and high school. This is seen as a part of a dual approach that includes increased onsite security personnel and counseling services for students needing support.

The district is urging parents to ensure that any weapons in their homes are secured properly and to engage in safety discussions with their children, emphasizing a community partnership in safeguarding the school environment.