Lake Forest Middle School students change classes in the afternoon. While many walkways are covered between pod buildings on the campus, faculty members said several metal overhangs are prone to leaking during wet weather.
Bradley County Commission Chairman Louie Alford
Bradley County Commissioner Connie WilsonCLEVELAND, Tenn. – A funding plan for a major overhaul of the Lake Forest Middle School failed to reach a consensus with Bradley County commissioners Monday.
Next Monday, the commission is expected to vote on a pair of resolutions by Commissioners Adam Lowe and Charlotte Peak-Jones on how and when the $14 million project should happen.
“In 48 days we are going to vote on a new budget. … I think we need to get this year’s budget settled before we worry about future budgets,” said Commissioner Ed Elkins, chairman of the Finance Committee.
The proposed renovations include replacing more than half of the school’s 17 classroom pod buildings with a central building as well as solving drainage and air-conditioning problems in the remaining structures. However, the $14 million price tag actually will require the county to borrow $20 million.
According to an agreement based on county and city school enrollment, Bradley County is required to raise $1 for Cleveland City Schools for every $2 it raises for the county school system.