DANDRIDGE, Tenn. — Monday, members of the Jefferson County Board of Education met at the historic Jefferson County Courthouse for a specially-called meeting regarding renovations at Jefferson Elementary School.
On the the board of education's website, the purpose of the meeting was to "discuss selection of firm for cost projection of renovation scope of work at Jefferson Elementary School."
The meeting was announced on Sept. 9, a few days after the first regular school board meeting since two new school board members were sworn in. At the Sept. 5 meeting, the board decided that Tommy Arnold, the director of schools, would need to come up with a plan and cost analysis to move students out of Jefferson Elementary School.
Arnold is expected to present the plan at the Oct. 3 meeting. In July, WBIR reported issues at the school including asbestos, mold, lack of air conditioning, sewage issues and other safety concerns. The school was constructed in 1958.
Since then, some parents have pulled their children out of the school and have spoken about their concerns at city council and school board meetings. Most recently, teachers and parents have sought legal representation with the Milberg Group, seeking "comprehensive environmental testing," according to an attorney with the firm.
Doug Ibetson, the vice chair of the board, suggested getting an estimate from the Blankenship Partners. The group is doing new construction for Talbott Elementary School.
The cost of the estimate for renovations given the "scope of work" for the building is $75,000 and would come out of the general fund. However, board members raised questions about what happens if the estimate changes.
The vote to get an estimate from the Blankenship partnership passed in a 5 - 1 vote. Board member Randall Bradley voted against the proposals and said he was concerned about the age of the school and if the cost estimate would change during construction or other processes.
The new cost estimate would present the Jefferson County Commission with plans to either build a new school or renovate the elementary school.