Bradley County school board approves updated lease with Family Resource Agency adding insurance requirement

The Bradley County Board of Education voted Aug. 14 to approve an updated lease with Family Resource Agency for space at the East Cleveland building, adding a new insurance requirement meant to increase school-system protection.

At the meeting, Dr. Kaylor explained the district has leased the property to Family Resource Agency for about 20 years. The newly added paragraph 9 requires Family Resource Agency, at its own cost, to obtain and maintain a policy of insurance meeting the coverage and limits required by the Bradley County Board of Education and to name Bradley County Schools as an additional insured for liability arising from the agency’s use or occupancy of the premises. The agency must also provide the board with a valid certificate of insurance.

Dr. Linda Cash said the addition provides “more protection for Bradley County Schools” and staff confirmed the rest of the lease terms remain substantially the same as prior agreements. Board members asked whether the agency charges sublessees and how maintenance and repairs are handled; staff said Family Resource Agency currently sublets some space to Cleveland City Schools for pre-K and that the agency is responsible for remodelling, repairs and maintenance of the facility.

A board member moved to approve the lease and the board voted in favor by roll call. No changes to rent or core program responsibilities were announced at the meeting. Staff said they had shown the amendment to the agency and to the board attorney prior to the vote.

The board did not set a further timetable for returning to the board on operational details; board materials indicate the building is used for pre-K slots and administrative offices. The district identified the building as the former East Cleveland School on Strawberry Lane.