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Director warns $450K–$500K textbook bill; recommends HVAC and camera upgrades
Summary
The director told the board the district faces an estimated $450,000–$500,000 cost to adopt new K–12 science textbooks, noted planned HVAC and heater repairs at schools and described a camera‑system grant that would require additional county matching funds.
The district director told the Benton County Board of Education that adopting new K–12 science textbooks will likely require $450,000 to $500,000 and that the board has budgeted $180,000 toward the effort.
"Were estimating, around 450 to $500,000 that we will have to remove from fund balance to pay for the new textbooks," the director said during the meeting. He added the state is moving the adoption cycle from six years to eight years.
The director also reported several capital and maintenance items:
- He said a heater replacement project will cost approximately $13,000 to prevent freeze‑related damage at one facility. - Cannon Elementary’s gym heating units are nearing 20 years old; an estimate to replace them is about $20,000 and the director said those funds are available in the capital project budget. - The district is pursuing an amended grant to expand camera systems; the director said the amendment would bring the grant to "a little over $400,000," require roughly $120,000 in additional county funds and bring the total project cost to "right at $550,000" to outfit remaining schools. He said the high school system was purchased with a different grant and is already installed.
On school safety, the director reminded the board that safety plans and procedures are confidential by statute and are guided by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Tennessee Department of Education. He said district staff routinely work with federal and state partners, and the districtSROs and safety team conduct reviews after incidents.
The director asked the board to expect a budget amendment or fund balance action to cover textbook costs and said the matter would be discussed further at upcoming budget meetings.
