Plans for the new East Brainerd Elementary School.
Site plan for the new East Brainerd Elementary School.The first draft of plans for the new East Brainerd Elementary School was brought before Hamilton County commissioners today.
The final design and construction plans are scheduled to be completed in March, with construction expected to start in May.
The school will be built on the site of the old David Brainerd School, which is scheduled to be torn down once summer break starts in 2014. The new school is slated to open that August.
Construction, architectural and furnishing costs are estimated at $25 million.
The new building will hold about 1,100 students. The first floor would house pre-kindergarten through second grade along with a cafeteria and indoor play space. The second level would be home to grades 3-5.
The school is expected to open with 900-950 students, said Gary Waters, assistant superintendent for auxiliary services.
Commissioners said today they support moving ahead with the plans, though some had reservations about the bill. The combined cost for East Brainerd and the new Ooltewah Elementary School combined will max out the $50 million allotted last year for construction.
"I'm alarmed at how fast these costs are going up and how much work we yet have left to do," said Commissioner Greg Beck. "Where the money's going to come from, I don't know."
For more information, read Friday's Times Free Press.