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Overton County board discusses bleacher railings, renovation timelines for three schools
Summary
At a Dec. 10 work session the Overton County Board of Education discussed installing hand railings on Livingston Academy’s gym bleachers and reviewed design and survey progress for renovation projects at Hillham, Allens and Rickman elementary schools, with staff directed to return with cost and schedule details at the next work session.
The Overton County Board of Education discussed adding hand railings to Livingston Academy’s gym bleachers and reviewed design, survey and utility issues for renovation projects at Hillham, Allens and Rickman elementary schools during a Dec. 10 work session.
Board member Ricky Dodson opened the work session noting “the work session is the bleacher railing at the LA gym.” The board heard concerns that the bleachers lack handrails and that older spectators and others have difficulty using the seating without them.
Architect Bridal Templeton and district staff reported the renovation program is in the design phase. Additional topographical survey work was ordered to refine site grading and traffic approaches; staff said the extra surveys are expected to be delivered in roughly 60 days. Templeton told the board the team is targeting summer construction so contractors could mobilize and complete work in time for the fall 2026 school year, with some overlapping work requiring off-site student accommodations.
Design issues discussed for individual schools included: - Rickman Elementary: constrained grades and topography mean additions will likely be single-story and require ramps and a raised foundation pad. The project will likely need a fire-protection sprinkler system in the new assembly addition and a new fire service line and hydrant, the architect said, after consultation with the fire marshal. - Hillham Elementary: proximity to the highway is causing congestion for buses and cars; staff are exploring a new drive behind the playground to ease stacking and are coordinating with the Tennessee Department of Transportation on whether a traffic study will be required. - Allens Elementary: survey work will include analysis of a connection to Solana Highway and possible traffic improvements.
Board members and staff discussed whether bleachers should be replaced entirely through the broader building program or retrofitted with railings sooner. One board member cited higher-level cost estimates in the meeting transcript, saying “it costs $3,000,000” to redo the bleachers and noting other quoted figures for electrical work; the board did not adopt any cost figure as final during the session.
The board directed staff, including Dr. Hallman, to investigate railing options and to return with an update at the next work session. Templeton said the team will email proposed January dates to present preliminary design ideas and gather additional feedback.
The discussion closed with the board agreeing to add the item to the next work session agenda to decide whether to advance a project to the formal board agenda for action.
