As Elizabethton City Schools prepare for some type of expansion at T.A. Dugger Junior High, one necessary step toward the process is expected to be looked at during Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting.
With a relatively short agenda, the BOE will vote to approve an owner architect agreement with the school system and Thomas Weems pertaining to the demolition of home grandstands at the Stadium beside T.A.D.
Director of Schools Dr. Corey Gardenhour approached City Council mid-March during a capital funds budget workshop and stated while the system can hold out for two years to the adjustment of bonds to benefit an eight-classroom expansion at the school for STEM, the system would like to go ahead and receive the OK to eliminate the grandstands at the stadium with excess money the school system has and the possibility of grant funding.
Bringing in an architect to address the grandstands is the first step for possible demolition of the seating area. The location where the grandstands are would be used for the expansions, which would allow the school to fully be ADA accessible, while the school would bulk up the visitors grandstands to provide seating and provide a press box.
During March’s workshop, Dr. Gardenhour added he would like to send out the bid package for the demolition project by May 1.
***
BOE members also have a resolution on the table to rename the system’s Early Learning Center at East Side Elementary School to the Dr. Joshua Wandell Early Learning Center.
The system’s Early Childhood Program began in 1974 as one of only 13 Title 1 pilot programs across the state. The program also serves as a training site for ETSU, Milligan and Northeast State Community College students.
Dr. Wandell served as principal at East Side before stepping down due to his bout with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). While away from the school, Dr. Wandell regularly made visits to the school including this year’s Race for Wandell event that took place at East Side.
The school system encourages family, friends and former students of Dr. Wandell to attend the dedication of the center set for Friday, May 5, at 10 a.m. outside the center with an indoor reception to follow.
***
Other items of the agenda for Tuesday include:
• A resolution to approve an additional one-half position for an assistant to the teacher to assist with special needs students at Harold McCormick.
• A resolution to approve a policy maintenance service agreement with TSBA.
• A resolution to allow Dr. Gardenhour to enter into contract agreements with School Bus Logistics.
• BOE members will also recognize Elizabethton High School students that scored a 30 or above on the ACT, along with athletes part of the EHS Wrestling and Track and Field teams.
The school system will enter into a budget workshop at the conclusion of their BOE meeting.