Architects discuss new school in Centertown
With a preliminary report detailing plans for a new school at Centertown due to the Warren County Commission by Nov. 15, the school board has wasted little time in preparing for the project during their monthly meeting Thursday night.
Board members heard pitches from two architectural firms before approving a public meeting on the project to be held in the Centertown Elementary School gym at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9.
Parents, community members and the general public are invited to participate in the meeting and provide input into the needs and location of the new school. Representatives of the two architectural firms, Upland Design Group of Crossville and Cockrill Design and Planning of Knoxville, will also be present.
After years of wishing, hoping and pleading by Centertown residents, the county commission recently approved a motion to support the replacement of the aging school and to appropriate money for such a project no later than Aug. 31, 2005.
However, in the commission’s motion, a number of responsibilities were placed on the school board before any money could be appropriated. Among these are conducting a site search, performing geotechnical testing on a designated site, engaging a licensed architect to render drawings, scope of work and estimated costs for the project and negotiating and paying for an option to purchase the site.
The board further agreed to hold a public meeting before reporting back to the commission in November and to submit a construction plan to the body no later than April 1, 2005.
After listening to the public at the meeting Sept. 9, the school board will meet in special session Sept. 16 to select which of the two architectural firms it will hire.