Board hears facilities upgrades and explores firefighter/emergency services pathway with county fire department

Director Wuss updated the Catoosa County School Board on recent and planned facility and safety projects across the district, and said leaders are exploring a firefighter and emergency-services career pathway at LFO in partnership with Pruitt and the Catoosa County Fire Department.

Wuss told the board the district replaced an antiquated backflow preventer for LMS fire hydrants and upgraded intercom systems at Battlefield Elementary, Battlefield Primary and Tiger Creek. The new intercoms allow principals to access building communications remotely via cell phone, a change Wuss described as an important safety improvement for car-rider lines, bus pickups and other incidents.

Wuss also cited recent fencing work at Heritage High School, Heritage Middle, Lakeview Middle, Ringo High and Barnhart Academy; new air-conditioning units at Cloud Springs, Heritage High and Ringle High; a new scrubber at Graysville; sidewalk improvements at Cloud Springs and Graysville; sign replacements at Ringgold High and Woods Station; and repaving of the main exit at LFO and repairs to the car-rider exit at Battlefield Primary.

Looking ahead, Wuss said district staff are exploring bringing a firefighter and emergency services pathway to LFO. He said he, Mr. Langford, Director Pierce and Mr. Boas have met to discuss the project and that the district is working in partnership with Pruitt and the Catoosa County Fire Department. Wuss said more details would be provided as the project is developed.

Why this matters: Facility upgrades address safety and operations at multiple campuses; a firefighter/EMS pathway could provide county students with a local career-technical education option developed in partnership with the county fire department and a local partner institution.

Board members had no follow-up questions recorded in the transcript and the item was presented as an informational update.