A student project manager is overseeing construction of a new Independence House on the Cookeville campus.
Cookeville High School Student Vicky Hammons told the School Board Thursday night she is in charge of purchasing materials and supervising the project. Hammons said the Independence House is designed to help people with special needs transition to adulthood.
“This project is going to do great things when it’s done, but it’s also doing great things now because it’s teaching us new things we haven’t learned the last three years,” Hammons said. “Because we’re like, learning how to work on a permanent foundation when we’ve always worked on a non permanent one.”
Hammons said the footers and foundation have been completed over the last month. Students are currently working on the floor joint system and sub flooring.
Hammons said there have been several donations to the project over the last month.
“Van De Vorde and Van De Vorde Services, they are pulling the permits for us, doing the electrical and plumbing, and training the students in all the work for all that,” Hammond said. “Clark Simpson and Builder’s Supply Company in Algood are giving us the brick, blocks, and mortar discounted at cost.”
Hammons said Rogers Group donated field dirt and topsoil, while CHC Mechanical Contractors Inc. will do the HVAC and train students on installation.
When asked what she was hoping to do for a career, Hammons said she is thinking about becoming a project manager or an occupational therapist.
Director of Schools Corby King said the project appeared to be moving along smoothly. He said he looks forward to monthly updates on the independence house from Hammons.
School Board Vice Chair Dr. Dawn Fry said she is very excited about the project.
“I have a son with autism who went through the independence program,” Fry said. “You guys are making huge difference. Just as you have goals to be a project manager or an OT, people with disabilities have goals too, independence. And you’re going to be giving them a way to learn those skills, and you’re getting skills at the same time, which is something I didn’t even contemplate in the whole project. So I love it.”
In other business, the Putnam County School Board approved an asbestos abatement purchase for the Early Learning Center in the amount of some $23,800.
The Board approved the purchase of new security cameras for the Extended Services building, costing some $24,700.
The Board approved the purchase of 87 Chromebook laptops, costing some $26,000. These computers will go to Algood Elementary, Prescott South Elementary and Middle, Upperman Middle, Parkview Elementary, and Burks Elementary.
