Dr. Martin Ringstaff, director of Cleveland City SchoolsCLEVELAND, Tenn. – Elementary school overcrowding and countywide flooding, along with a court ruling in a sales tax dispute, were on the agenda when Cleveland and Bradley County leaders held a joint meeting last week.
“The elementary schools are overcrowded,” said Dr. Martin Ringstaff, director of Cleveland City Schools, adding that a new elementary school is needed. “Rezoning is not the answer.”
Ringstaff estimated a $13 million to $16 million price tag for a new school, based on student capacity of 500 to 700 students.
In light of a failed county wheel tax intended to fund school projects, Cleveland leaders have asked the county for a “Plan B” for funding.
“We don’t have a Plan B, but I do have a suggestion for a ‘Plan A’ for the city,” said Louie Alford, chairman of the Bradley County Commission.