New Cleveland Elementary School To Feature "Safe Rooms"

  • Monday, August 12, 2013

An $18.1 million new Cleveland elementary school will feature a "safe room" in every classroom, members of the Cleveland City Council were told Monday.

Dr. Martin Ringstaff, city school superintendent, said, "This will probably be the safest school in the state of Tennessee."

He said he expects it will be a model for future schools to help guard against school shooters as well as tornadoes.

Brian Templeton of the Upland Design Group of Cookeville, said the safe rooms will meet FEMA guidelines. They will include concrete ceilings and walls able to withstand winds up to 250 miles per hour. Ventilation and lighting will be included, and they will serve as storage areas when not in special emergency use.

The school for 700 students is to be built on a 20-acre site on Georgetown Road.

Dr. Ringstaff said, "We are already over-capacity. We are gaining 80 to 100 students every year. This is a dire need."

Mr. Templeton said the school will include a large cafeteria as well as a multi-purpose area that can be used as a gym or for school assemblies.

He said there is interest in a possible nearby greenway and a trail leading to a creek and wetlands at the rear of the property.

Mayor Tom Rowland said, "We need this school. There's no question about it. It's frugal to build it as quickly as possible."

However, officials said the funding is not yet worked out.   





Breaking News
New Hope Fire Department Disputes TWRA Report On Kayaker Rescues
  • 3/28/2024

New Hope Fire Department Corey Comstock disputed a report by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency about the rescue of 33 kayakers from extremely high winds near Nickajack Cave on Monday. ... more

Woman Dies After Being Seriously Injured In House Fire Thursday Afternoon
Woman Dies After Being Seriously Injured In House Fire Thursday Afternoon
  • 3/28/2024

A woman died after sustaining life-threatening injuries in a house fire on North Moore Road Thursday afternoon and was rescued by Chattanooga firefighters. Hamilton County 911 received a call ... more

Motorcyclist Hit Speeds Of 170 MPH; Posted Video Of Outrunning Police
Motorcyclist Hit Speeds Of 170 MPH; Posted Video Of Outrunning Police
  • 3/28/2024

A motorcyclist fled on Sunday, from a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempting to make a lawful stop on Highway 27. Since that time, the deputy has been working leads to identify the ... more