CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System could receive $8.56 million for 10 capital budget projects, under a proposal the county is considering.
During a budget hearing with the Budget Committee last month, Schools Chief Financial Officer Chris Reneau pleaded for additional funding for 10 capital budget projects. Seven of the 10 projects involve repairing roofs on schools.
Reneau previously said a multitude of roofs are at the end of their 20- to 25-year lifespan, and bad weather has only worsened their condition. Roof renovations could buy another 20 years of extended life. The renovations involve repairs and replacement of some sections, to avoid full roof replacements.
The presentation listed the following schools in need the work: Kenwood High, Burt Elementary, Byrns Darden Elementary, Rossview High, Northeast High, New Providence Middle and Minglewood Elementary.
“The longer we wait, the more expensive it’s going to get, and if we continue to delay it longer, they could have catastrophic failures. That’s definitely a situation we don’t want to be in,” Reneau said.
The following are the three additional capital budget projects CMCSS listed:
- Replacing the Kenwood High fire alarm system.
- Updating the electrical switchgear at Barksdale Elementary.
- Systemwide site construction.
After discussing the proposal earlier this month, the Budget Committee recently approved $8.56 million toward CMCSS’ Capital Projects Fund. With approval, the proposal will be put on the Montgomery County Commission agenda for next month.
At the June 5 meeting, the County Commission will discuss funding the capital projects fund. Then they will vote on June 12. County Commission meetings are open to the public and held at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the County Courthouse.