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Benton County board schedules Nov. 12 work session, hears update on Camden schools and $428,363 security grant
Summary
Board members reviewed capital work including Camden Junior High roof replacement and potential Camden Elementary replacement, set a Nov. 12 work session to review proposals and financing, and heard that the district received a security grant of $428,363 with a $142,000 match.
Board members discussed upcoming capital work and a security grant during the director's report and set a follow-up work session for Nov. 12 to review proposals and financing.
During the Building and Property Committee report, members noted current capital projects including a planned roof replacement at Camden Junior High and discussion about renovation or replacement of Camden Elementary. Committee members asked district architects/consultants to return with a fuller proposal; the presenter said consultants asked for more time and the board agreed to a Nov. 12 work session (1 p.m. ' 7 p.m.) to review a more complete package and related financial information, including options from Tennessee Municipal for loan terms.
Mr. Lawrence said the previously discussed elementary proposal was roughly 89,000 square feet under the earlier concept and that updated options could reduce estimated costs; he estimated a lower figure than a prior $45 million projection based on adjusted square-foot cost assumptions. The board asked staff and consultants to bring more detailed cost and financing information to the Nov. 12 session.
In the director's remarks, the district announced it had been awarded a grant to improve school security. The district received $428,363 for security upgrades; the director said there is a required $142,000 match and that the district intends to use existing ESSER funds and recently purchased equipment as part of that match. The director said using previously purchased high-school cameras as match would reduce the district's direct cash match to less than $15,000. The board approved a motion to use an existing Sevier County contract with Central Technology to purchase cameras and related equipment under that procurement arrangement.
The board also set timing for its fall planning and noted other events and recognitions, including selection of Pam Pettyjohn as a K-4 Science Educator of the Year by the Tennessee Science Teachers Association and several student athletics and music recognitions.
Ending: Board members agreed to the Nov. 12 work session and directed staff to prepare detailed proposals and financing information for review and for presentation to the county commission if required.
