Council approves several school maintenance projects funded by county shared bonds

The Murfreesboro City Council approved a series of school maintenance projects — interior painting at Discovery School and Hobgood Elementary, and flooring renovations at Mitchell Nelson Elementary — awarding contracts to the lowest responsive bidders and funding the work with county shared bonds.

Miss Genesee presented the projects, saying the Discovery School painting contract to BJB Construction, Inc. was the lowest responsive bid at $110,282 and will cover classrooms, hallways, restrooms, the library, gym, one outbuilding and previously painted casework. The Hobgood Elementary painting contract to CMG Contractors was the lowest responsive bid at $103,000 with similar scope. The Mitchell Nelson project removes old vinyl tile and seals exposed concrete; Romok Incorporated was the lowest responsive bidder at $244,207. Each project is pending legal approval of contract and performance/payment bonds.

During discussion council members and other speakers expressed frustration with the limited funding available through the county shared‑penny mechanism. One councilmember said the county “takes shared pennies” and urged more shared funding for school projects; school staff replied that projects are prioritized to match available funds. A councilmember asked whether other schools need similar work; school staff said projects have been prioritized and more could be done if additional shared funds were available.

Each project passed on unanimous roll calls. Council and school staff said the projects are on a prioritized list and will be scheduled for the summer to reduce disruption to instruction.