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Board questions safety upgrades and who would pay for Morristown work
Summary
Board members pressed Southwest Metro and staff on safety upgrades—sprinkler installation and fire-code limits on lockdowns—and whether upgrades would be paid by WEM if the district leased the building or shared if Metro purchased it.
During discussion of the Morristown site, board member Jeff Stangler asked specifically about security and student safety. Dr. Jeff Horton said a sprinkler system would be installed, "allowing for a locked facility," and sketched a plan to zone the building for specialized programs.
Board members also raised who would bear the cost of facility upgrades. Horton explained that if WEM leased the space, the district would be responsible for upgrade costs, while a Southwest Metro purchase would spread 99% of upgrades as a tax impact to participating associate districts. Jon Bakken and Chair Gary Michael asked whether leasing versus selling would affect the ability to lock the building; Horton answered that "the fire code prevents locking down without the fire suppression system."
