School board seeks $12.5 million for Jefferson Elementary renovation amid parent health concerns

The Jefferson County school board has asked the county commission for $12.5 million to proceed with a renovation project at Jefferson Elementary School, prompting extended public comment about building conditions and health concerns.

School district representative Tommy Arnold told commissioners the board approved a renovation plan and requested county funding to move the project forward. "The board has approved a renovation project, submitted some funding for that project, and requested, from county commission for 12 and a half million dollars to move that project forward," Arnold said.

Parents and residents at the meeting urged more extensive action. Dr. Kara Ann Campbell, who identified herself as a county resident and education advocate, urged commissioners to reject a partial renovation and instead fund a new building. "I respectfully ask that you vote no to the renovation of Jefferson Elementary School. Instead, vote to fully fund a new building with a guaranteed improvement on top of it," Campbell said, arguing the community needs long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Multiple parents reported repeated illnesses they tie to the school building. Jody Newman, a parent, said her daughter missed dozens of days and described a persistent mildew smell in the school. "If any of you step foot into that building, you'll smell the mildew," Newman said during public comment.

School officials and the architect’s analysis described the scope the district proposes. Arnold said the renovation would include a new roof, HVAC work, electrical upgrades, new cafeteria equipment, plumbing replacement where necessary and targeted abatement where testing indicates asbestos or other hazardous materials. He said some classrooms built more recently would need less work while original portions would require heavier renovation.

Arnold described how the district handled abatement at other schools to outline how renovation work would be phased: abatement work is scheduled for times when students are not present where possible, and when unexpected hazardous material is found, the district has used school breaks to address it. "The abatement is not done whenever students are present in the building... We tried to abate everything in the summer, but there was times... that needed abated," Arnold said, referencing prior renovation experience at Piedmont.

On the budget side, the county’s budget committee approved a school budget amendment listed as item number 5, which relates to the Jefferson Elementary project, but did not approve a separate request tied to fund 177 (item number 11). Budget committee members said funding for the renovation will appear on the county’s voting agenda next week for final consideration; the transcript shows the matter was discussed but not finally decided.

Commissioners and school officials exchanged technical questions during the meeting about structural issues, asbestos-containing floor tiles, plumbing and electrical work, windows and gym/cafeteria scope. Arnold said floor tiles include 9-by-9 tiles considered to contain asbestos in older areas and that plumbing from the original structure would be replaced as part of the renovation.

Why it matters: Jefferson Elementary parents and advocates framed the issue as public health and long-range planning; school leaders described a renovation plan they say will update systems and abate hazards. The county budget process will determine whether the district receives the requested funds.

Officials said more detailed documents, cost estimates and phasing plans are available from the district for commissioners to review before a final vote.

Ending: The commission added the school funding item to next week's voting agenda after the budget committee review. Community members said they will continue to press for either a fully funded new building or an accelerated, thorough abatement and renovation plan pending the county’s decision.