CLEVELAND, Tenn. — The Cleveland School System’s administrative office building is “woefully overcrowded,” Director of Schools Rick Denning says.
But a new building is not likely anytime soon.
“Certainly it won’t on my watch,” he said.
The discussion came up this week during a meeting of the City School Board’s Site Committee as the committee reviewed plans to make the existing building on Mouse Creek Road more accessible for people needing physical help.
The front doors need to be wider and a restroom needs to be added to accommodate wheelchairs, Dr. Denning said.
The committee, which considers building matters and makes recommendations to the full school board, gave its approval for an architect to draw the plan for the additional bathroom.
Funding will come from local sales tax revenue, and the work will not be done until the school system’s budget director is sure there is money available, Dr. Denning said.
PROJECT PLANS* Additional handicapped accessible restroom at Cleveland School System’s administrative offices* Renovations to Stuart Elementary School* Tree planting at Cleveland High SchoolSource: Cleveland City Schools
The committee also approved hiring an architect to draw a small portion of the renovation plan at Stuart Elementary School, a project taking place this summer. But new state fire codes call for an architect’s stamp on some renovations, including alterations that change exits or alter fire alarm systems.
“It is absolutely critical that we go ahead and do this,” school board member Bill Brown said.
In other business, Dr. Denning said he and city officials continue to work on where to plant trees on the Cleveland High School campus when construction of the science wing is done. Dr. Denning said he does not want trees in the field where a geothermal heating and air system’s wells are being installed.
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