WHAT’S NEXT?The Hamilton County Board of Education will vote on whether to use capital funds at its 5:30 p.m. meeting on Thursday. If approved, construction will continue for the school’s planned completion by Aug. 1.
SUPPORT ANNOUNCEDOfficials announced on Tuesday a $100,000 commitment from Unum and a $25,000 commitment from First Tennessee Bank to go towards the STEM school.HELPING HANDSo far, organizations have donated the following goods and services to get the STEM school off the ground:• Architectural and engineering services• Plumbing fixtures• Interior, emergency, exterior and exit light• HVAC Controls• Fire alarm equipment
Demolition is nearly complete on a fast-paced project to open a science, technology, engineering and math school in Hamilton County by August. But now a lack of cash stands to slow construction.
While waiting on donations to renovate space, the school system may borrow up to $500,000 from its own capital projects fund to ensure work continues.
Donations of goods and services have come in, though Superintendent Rick Smith said the school system still needs to purchase materials and services to move forward. Smith placed the transfer request on Thursday’s Board of Education agenda.