Board approves Heritage High restroom renovation, security-vestibule design fees and budget transfers

At its monthly meeting the Blount County School Board approved three capital and budget items: a Heritage High School commons-area restroom renovation (Bid 2026-0056, Fund 177) for $239,300; a $64,000 budget increase for design services to develop security vestibules at multiple schools (Fund 177); and transfers from 'other charges' into non-salary operating expense accounts (Fund 141) to correct coding and oversight.

The motion to approve the Heritage High restroom renovation was moved and seconded and the chair called for voice votes; the chair announced the motion passed with all in favor and none opposed. For the security-vestibule design-fee item, Director Ridge said security is a top priority: "This is to get some design fees so we can get the security vestibules moved a little quicker to make our schools safer," and the board approved the $64,000 request. On the budget transfers, finance staff described the action as housekeeping to place previously reserved 'other charges' into specific operating expense accounts so expenditures can be coded correctly; the board approved the transfers.

Votes at a glance: Heritage High restroom renovation (Bid 2026-0056) — approved; Security-vestibule design fees ($64,000) — approved; Fund 141 budget transfers — approved. The chair announced each motion passed by voice vote with no opposition recorded.

Why it matters: The approvals fund facility repairs, accelerate design work intended to increase building security, and reallocate existing budgeted funds for clearer accounting. Director Ridge framed the security funding as a district priority.

Next steps: Staff will issue contract documents for the approved restroom renovation and proceed with the security vestibule designs. The budget transfers will be reflected in updated financial accounts; the board did not specify additional public hearings for these items.