Putnam Board Penalizes Contractor Over ELA Delays
The Putnam County School Board voted Thursday to penalize a contractor for ongoing construction delays at the new Early Learning Academy, deducting $39,000 in liquidated damages from the company’s latest pay approval. Director of Schools Corby King said the school system is struggling to provide a set schedule to families and staff as the project […]
CHS Independence House Named Randy Mansell House
The Putnam County School Board approved naming Cookeville High School’s newly built Independence House in honor of teacher Randy Mansell. Mansell said the house will open later this month. At Thursday’s meeting, Director of Schools Corby King said Mansell will retire at the end of the year and thanked Mansell for his contributions and years […]
Putnam Schools Approve Contract For Managing Asbestos
Putnam County Schools create an updated asbestos management plan, including a three-year reinspection of school facilities. Facilities Manager John Magura said the work is part of ongoing compliance with the federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. It requires school systems to routinely monitor asbestos-containing materials. Magura said asbestos has been identified in the floor tile […]
Putnam Schools Award Bid for Athletic Trainer Services
The Putnam County School Board has awarded a new bid for athletic trainer services, marking a return to a previous provider. The school board awarded the bid from STAR Physical Therapy for an estimated $309,000. Director of Schools Corby King said Cookeville Regional Medical Center had offered the services essentially for free, but notified the […]
Putnam Students Provide Further Feedback On Detectors
Student Advisory Committee members shared mixed feedback on the use of metal detectors in the Putnam County Schools at Thursday’s monthly school board meeting Thursday. Upperman High School Student Abby Brown said students understand why some residents want the detectors. “Out of the students that supported the metal detectors in the school the majority said that they […]
Avery Trace Installing Cameras To Address Security Gaps
Avery Trace Middle School will soon have expanded security coverage after the school board approved the purchase and installation of three new exterior cameras. The three cameras, along with software and installation, will cost the school system an estimated $11,200. Principal Lesley Herron said the cameras will integrate with the district’s existing system but will […]
Putnam School Board Doubts Remodel Completion Date
The Putnam County School Board voiced doubts Thursday night about the contractor meeting the April 30 completion date for the Old Park View School remodel. ESG Representative John Waddell told the board the project has made significant progress over the past month and said he still believes the “aggressive” deadline can be met. However, Maintenance […]
Band Uniform Purchase Begins, More Money Needed
After months of fundraising, the Cookeville High School Marching Band has raised enough money to begin purchasing new uniforms. The Putnam County School Board approved the purchase of 200 uniforms at an estimated cost of $105,000 using funds raised by the band. Cookeville High School Band Director David Talbert said the group has not yet […]
More Concerns Expressed On Early Learning Center Progress
The Putnam County School Board expressed more concerns Thursday night about the progress of converting the old Park View school into the Early Learning Academy. The board questioned the contractor about whether full crews are working on the project, as they have only seen a few workers on site. ESG Representative John Waddell said there […]
Putnam School Board Approves Bonuses For Employees
The Putnam County School Board approved incentive bonuses for half-time and full-time employees of the school system. The bonuses will come from the state’s estimated $80 million fiscal year 2026 TISA Outcome payment fund. $750 incentive bonuses will go to all full-time employees, while $375 bonuses will be given to all half-time employees who are […]
