BY THE NUMBERS$1 million — Grant money for STEM school$850,000 — Grant money for STEM hub$650,000-$750,000 — Estimated cost to renovate space at Chattanooga State Community College17,000 — Square footage of classroom and lab space3 — Number of months to complete renovation75 — Number of ninth-graders expected to begin in fall
Before teachers are selected for a new science, technology, engineering and math high school, Hamilton County Schools officials say they’ll focus on finding a dynamic principal.
“We’ve got to find that right leader,” Superintendent Rick Smith said. “That right leader is going to attract good teachers.”
Local business, school and community leaders held a news conference Tuesday on the site of the new school at Chattanooga State Community College.
Gov. Bill Haslam announced Monday that Hamilton County received $1.85 million in a state grant to open a new STEM school and an associated hub to house business and community partners.