The Putnam County School Board will hold off on a project to replace the tile entrances at Cookeville High School.
The school board originally looked at replacing ceramic tile entrances at Cookeville High School are starting to chip and crack. Putnam County Schools Deputy Director Tim Martin said the project is a priority, but not at the top of the list.
“It’s a very expensive item, so it’s probably, you know, it is something that we want to do, but it’s probably gonna be maybe two or three years before it gets worked up to the top of the list,” Martin said.
Martin said a preliminary estimate to replace the tile entrances is $550,000. Martin said the current condition of the tile entrances has not yet raised major concerns.
“You know, I don’t want people to think that we got kids falling through the floor, that’s not accurate, but it does not look the best,” Martin said.
Martin said the board is looking at replacing the entrances with the same type of ceramic tile, as that type of tile does not have to be waxed over the summer, giving staff and students access to the school and gym during the summer. Martin said looks are not the most important thing in the world, but they do matter.
“You know, eventually some kids are not going to the best place, and we want our kids to feel welcomed and comfortable at school,” Martin said.
Martin said for now, the school system is performing patchwork on the tile as more cracks show up.
