A wielder works on support beams in what will be a classroom space in the upper levels of Raider Arena at Cleveland High School. The new facility, which replaces the high school’s landmark Raider Dome, is projected to be operational by the spring.
A construction worker attaches exterior framing to the upper windows of Cleveland High School’s Raider Arena. The facility, which is projected to be operational next spring, replaces the high school’s landmark Raider Dome.CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Even as construction of Cleveland High School’s new Raider Arena nears completion, school leaders are addressing new and ongoing needs in the city school system.
On Friday, the city school board voted 6-0 to set improvement priorities for the 2015-16 school year, including two new school buses and a solution to drainage problems in the high school’s east parking lot.
“We can’t afford everything on the list, but we can knock some great things off to help the school system,” said Dr. Martin Ringstaff, director of Cleveland City Schools. “I think what you are seeing is a very student-focused list.”
Nothing’s been put out for bid yet, but school officials expect to spend between $398,000 and $457,000.
The buses are estimated to cost between $200,000 and $210,000 and will probably be in service in a few months, maintenance and transportation director Hal Taylor said.
The cost seems high, but the new buses will be under warranty and will provide 18 years of service, board member Murl Dirksen said.
One will replace a bus wrecked in a recent accident; the other will be used on a new route that will ease crowding on current routes resulting from higher enrollment.
The Cleveland High School drainage work is estimated to cost between $90,000 and $110,000.
Other proposed improvements include painting, window and bathroom work at Blythe Bower Elementary, a multipurpose truck to be shared between the maintenance department and Cleveland High School, and furniture.
Money for the work will come from Cleveland schools’ sales tax capital project fund.
Also Friday, Taylor said weather shouldn’t slow construction at Raider Arena now that the building’s roof and upper windows are installed.
Weather delays have pushed the timeline for completion from late this year to March 2016.
Concrete floors on the ground level have been completed, priming and painting of the interior has begun and duct work, conduit and plumbing lines are being run, according to an Oct. 20 report recently presented to the Cleveland City Council.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.