Fentress County School Board members pushed to expand bathroom renovations at two elementary schools, but rising operating costs could limit how much work the district can afford.
Chief Financial Officer Kacee Harris said approximately $53,000 in state Public School Safety and Construction Grant funding will support flooring improvements at York and Pine Haven Elementary. Board members questioned whether additional district funds could be used to renovate more bathrooms rather than leave the work unfinished.
“I’m just going to caution that heat and air right now and diesel are both lines that we’re looking at with big expenditures that we’re going to probably be looking for transferring money in,” Harris, “With the rise in costs and then with so many hot, warm days still.”
Harris said the district’s expenses have already exceeded expectations. Board members expressed concern about completing the renovations in phases, pointing to ongoing classroom door replacements at Pine Haven that have stretched across several years.
Director of Schools Kristi Hall said the proposed flooring improvements include bathrooms near the gym and kindergarten wing at York Elementary, along with concession-area and seventh- and eighth-grade restrooms at Pine Haven. Harris said the district could explore additional work once contractors establish pricing.
“I would say that would probably come after we open the bids, and then just seeing if that vendor is comfortable to extend that price to whatever we wanted to do,” Harris said.
Hall said the district initially estimated how many bathrooms could be renovated using the grant, but actual construction costs remain unknown. Officials could consider change orders or a separate bid for facilities outside the original project.
The board authorized its executive committee to act following the November 30 bid opening, potentially allowing renovations to begin during Christmas break without waiting for the next regular meeting in January.
