Renovations to three Walker County schools – Rossville and Chattanooga Valley elementaries and LaFayette Middle – are in the works following the Board of Education’s recent approval.
Each school will receive a six-classroom addition.
J & J Contractors of Chattanooga was approved for the work, which is estimated at $4.4 million.
“We will have [J & J] on board to give us their input on savings and how to do it in ways to make it safe,” said Schools Director of Facilities and Operations Chris Jones. “We hope to break ground on construction April 1. We hope to be done by Thanksgiving.”
All three additions will run as one project simultaneously, he said. Neuhoff Taylor Architects is working alongside J & J on the project.
In addition to helping with the construction projects, Jones is also working on a five-year facilities plan for the school system.
“We go through a plan and look for renovations and modifications,” he explained. “We look at what we are eligible for and send it to the state. We have 15 schools and six administrative buildings. We are bringing in a review team in April.”
Jones said Walker County has schools that are 15 years or older.
“We are eligible for funding to improve HVAC,” he said. “We can get new paint and tile. ESPLOST and Entitlement Funds are available for projects based on a five-year plan. We have a plan rough draft and will put it together.”