Coweta County Board approves capital outlay revision, school projects and safety upgrades; all motions pass unanimously

The Coweta County Board of Education on March 11 approved a series of budget and construction items ranging from a revision to the district’s FY23 State Capital Outlay application to security upgrades and under‑slab sewer replacements at two elementary schools.

The Board voted unanimously on each item. Superintendent recommendations and staff briefings preceded the votes; most items had limited discussion and no amendments.

Board action and context

- Capital outlay revision for Newnan High School: The Board approved a resolution to revise the FY23 State Capital Outlay application for Newnan High School. The district stated total FY23 capital outlay funding for Newnan High is $15,284,868 and explained the revision reflects that the number of instructional units funded was fewer than the number of units ultimately built. The motion passed 7–0. (Motion mover/second: not specified in the record.)

- White Oak Elementary playground: The Board approved a PTO‑funded purchase and installation of additional playground equipment for White Oak Elementary School. The superintendent said the project will be funded by the White Oak PTO and estimated cost is $10,750.66. Motion passed 7–0. (Mover/second: not specified.)

- Arbor Springs Elementary greenhouse: The Board approved the Arbor Springs Elementary PTO request to purchase and install a greenhouse to support the Arbor Springs Environmental Club. The district listed an estimated project cost of $2,181.40; supporting documentation and applicable board policies were attached to the agenda. Motion passed 7–0. (Mover/second: not specified.)

- Security upgrades at middle schools: The Board approved a proposal from Torrance Construction Company to complete security modifications at the remaining middle schools (Arnold Middle School, East Coweta Middle School, Lee Middle School, Madras Middle School, Smoky Road Middle School) and to modify the entry vestibule at Blake Bass Middle School so the entry can be secured. District staff told the Board Torrance was the only proposer and that staff and the architects/engineers reviewed pricing and budget parameters; the Board also was told finance staff had reviewed the single‑bid situation. The motion passed 7–0. The agenda packet and staff remarks reported a Torrance bid amount of approximately $2.53 million; transcript references contained two slightly different figures ($2,533,135 and $2,553,135), which the district indicated would be reflected in the bid tabulation attached to the agenda. (Mover/second: not specified.)

- Under‑slab sewer replacements at Eastside and Aronco Sargent elementary schools: The Board approved a Torrance Construction Company proposal to replace deteriorated under‑slab sewer lines, repaint and replace floor covering in affected areas, and replace a sewer lift station at Eastside Elementary. Staff said the two schools have experienced recurring sewer problems in recent years and recommended approval. The bid cited in the agenda and staff presentation was $957,388. Board members were told the intent is to complete the work over the summer and that existing systems are aging (staff described them roughly as mid‑1950s vintage). Motion passed 7–0. (Mover/second: not specified.)

- Out‑of‑state field trip: The Board approved a request from East Coweta High School for its rifle team to compete in the All Service Air Rifle Championships in Port Clinton, Ohio, March 19–23, 2025. Staff noted qualifying requirements caused the late request and that there is no cost to the school system; students will miss three days of school. Motion passed 7–0. (Mover/second: not specified.)

Procedural and other votes

The Board also approved routine items with unanimous votes: the meeting agenda, multiple sets of minutes (February regular and call minutes), and the motion to enter executive session at the meeting’s end to discuss personnel, real estate and potential litigation.

Discussion highlights and staff clarifications

- Single bidder and cost review: Board member Miss Dees asked about the timeline for the security upgrades; staff replied they expect work to be completed over the summer. Staff said architects, engineers and finance staff (including assistant superintendent Keith Chapman and staff member Latimer) had reviewed the single bid and were confident the price fit budget parameters and Torrance’s past performance justified award.

- Sewer projects urgency and timing: Staff stressed the sewer work is essential for school operations (“no sewer, no school”) and planned completion by the first day of school. Staff described the existing sewer systems as aging and said replacements were needed.

What the Board approved is reflected in agenda backup materials and the district’s signed contracts; final contract values will be those in executed contract documents and the posted bid tabulations.

Ending

All of the above action items were approved by unanimous votes. Staff noted several projects are scheduled for summer work to avoid disruption to the school calendar and that documentation (bid tabulations, scorecards and resolution text) is attached to the official agenda packet for public review.