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Board staff outline progress on $60 million capital bond, phase‑4 draft and site‑specific building work
Summary
Staff told the facilities committee that phases 1–3 of a $60 million capital bond are under way and that the district has a draft phase‑4 list of roughly $54 million in proposed projects to consider in September or October.
Hamilton County Schools staff told the facilities committee they have advanced work from earlier bond allocations and are preparing a draft “phase 4” package for board consideration in September or October.
Dr. Sharp, a district staff member presenting the facilities update, said the district is “very fortunate” to have bond funding for deferred maintenance and capital improvements and commended the maintenance and pre‑planning teams. Justin Witt, a facilities staff member who presented project details, told the committee the bond program is the district's largest in recent memory and that the $60,000,000 bond is being applied across phases; phases 1–3 have board and commission approval. Witt said a draft phase‑4 list of projects would total roughly $54,000,000 on paper and is not yet approved.
Staff identified several near‑term items that could be included in phase 4 or addressed with savings from earlier phases. Board members asked whether specific projects were already designed or quoted: Witt said the Lookout Mountain elevator work is a direct replacement of an existing elevator and “I've already had a quote, ready to go. It's replacing the existing elevator,” meaning no new shaft construction would be needed. By contrast, the Ooltewah soccer restroom request has had informal estimates discussed but “we didn't get a cost estimate” and staff said they would consider whether savings from phase 1 could fund it.
Board members raised recurring concerns about Delwood (referred to as “Barger”/“Barger Roof” in the conversation) and other aging roofs; staff described roofing and rooftop HVAC replacements as large parts of the capital program. Staff said rooftop unit replacements were being bid and that the typical lead time for equipment was eight to 10 weeks after ordering.
A high‑profile separate funding path for Howard High School was described: staff said county commission and mayoral offices had discussed a $10,000,000 community‑benefit allocation from a development agreement (South Broad TIP) that would include HVAC work, demolition of an old gym and replacement indoor athletic facilities, fencing and theater work. Tucker (a county official) and Dr. Mackey of the county commission were present; staff said the county commission would consider that package and, if approved, it would return to the school board for formal district approval.
Staff also reviewed several design and procurement steps underway for larger building projects: architects under contract for Franklin Roberts/Gateway (Tinker Ma), Clifton Hills (proposals received; interviews planned), Soddy Daisy (MTA Architects in programming), North River (Franklin Architects; schematic design), Brainerd (HK Architects in negotiation), and CMAR procurement steps to follow.
Why it matters: The bond program funds roofs, HVAC, renovations and new construction that affect large student populations and maintenance backlogs. Staff emphasized that, while $60 million is a large sum, the scope of multiple projects can use most of the funds quickly and that savings on completed work may allow additional projects to be funded later.
The committee did not formally approve phase 4 during the meeting; staff asked the board to consider formal action in September or October after finalizing design and budget details.
