News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The White County School Board got its first look at schematic plans to renovate BonDeCroft Elementary School Thursday.
A some 19,300 square foot two-story building that will be built between the two existing structures on the school property.
Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said engineers will now get involved after the school board approved the plan as presented.
“The engineers are at the table, the architects are at the table, members of the school are at the table, and we’ll start having regular meetings as we go through the process,” Dronebarger said. “Voting on this tonight gives them the green light to get that process started.”
Architect Bo Howard of Upland Design Group presented the first rendering Thursday. Howard said the property still needs to be surveyed, so some changes may come to the dimensions.
The expansion will bring a new entrance to the school building that will be at the northeast corner between the two existing school buildings. A secure vestibule, new office suite, community bathrooms and secure access to the gym included.
The old library will turn into a conference room, Previous retention rooms will transition to storage as well as an additional three classrooms. An elevator will be required to comply with ADA guidelines.
School Board Member Bob Young asked how the company planned to match the new building’s cosmetics to the older existing buildings. While a perfect match is unlikely, Howard said a similar brick, trimming and windows will be used.
Howard said the project will also address drainage issues at the school.
