posted July 17, 2008
The County School Board voted 5-4 on Thursday night against funding $180,000 in cleanup of peeling lead-based paint on the outside of Normal Park Museum Magnet Upper School, which just underwent a $1.5 million community fix-up.
The vote came after several board members lobbied for similar funding for other schools, including Donaldson Elementary and Falling Water Elementary.
County School Maintenance Director Gary Waters had recommended spending up to $90,000 to remove asbestos from an annex at Donaldson that has not been used for several years.
He said community groups want to fix up the Donaldson campus, including reopening the old annex building, which was given a new roof two years ago. He said the building is now boarded up, but trespassers often get inside.
Mr. Waters said the enrollment at Donaldson dropped after the McCallie Homes were demolished, but he said it is coming back (to around 320) after construction of new homes at the site.
Board member Everett Fairchild said he had a problem with fixing up an unoccupied building when children are attending the Normal Park School.
He said the Normal Park supporters had made a big investment in the old school, and the county schools ought to make a contribution. He said the peeling paint on the school windows is unattractive.
Board member Rhonda Thurman said parents work hard at other schools and a school "with foundation money and a few hundred people" should not get all the focus. She said Falling Water School, a part of which dates to 1912, needs attention.
Mr. Conner said the work at Donaldson should be put off until the community group has firm plans and until the next funding cycle.
He said if the county schools paid for the old paint removal that the community would then provide the paint and repaint the windows.
Tommy Kranz, finance director, said enough funds likely could be found for both projects from the fund balance.
A vote failed to do both projects.
On a vote to do just Normal Park, in favor were Mr. Conner, Mr. Fairchild, Chip Baker and Janice Boydston.
Opposed were Ms. Thurman, Jeff Wilson, Debra Matthews, Chester Bankston and Chairman Kenny Smith.
Mr. Smith said he recently had told McBrien School parents in East Ridge that no funds were available for such projects.
The Normal Park School is the old Chattanooga Middle School that now houses the upper grades for the twin Normal park campus.
In other action, the board approved a new $600,000 multi-purpose building at Woodmore Elementary School.
The county has agreed to pay the full cost.
Also, Mr. Fairchild said school officials are working to transfer the old Hixson Middle School to the city recreation department.
He said that is pending the city coming up with suitable plans for the property.
Mr. Fairchild said it is to be a recreational area and community center.
He said there is not a city park nearby except for some ballfields.
In other matter, school officials are to seek a request for proposals on use of the long-abandoned Franklin Middle School in Alton Park.
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