Jackson Schools Reviewing Two Proposals For New CTE Building

The Jackson County School Board will schedule a special called meeting to further review proposals to construct a new CTE building.

The initial plans include a facility with four learning areas for trades such as HVAC. Director of Schools Kristy Brown called it the biggest project since the Jackson County Middle School or Dodson Branch School gym.

“We want this building forever,” Brown said. “For years and years and not just the immediate. It needs to be a very versatile space that we can use it for this or use it for other things in the future. I think it’s a good project.”

Brown said two contract proposals were submitted to the Board of Education from AEI Architects Engineers and Planners and Upland Design. Brown said the system has worked with both groups in the past.

Brown said the proposed location of the building is the old golf course located by Jackson County High School.

“This is just a concept drawing, but across from the hallway would be the classroom areas where they do their coursework,” Brown said. “There are areas for classroom bathrooms and student bathrooms, conference area and offices there in the center. This is very preliminary.”

Brown said TCAT Livingston President Myra West has already extended help to transition some classes to the building.

“Since we’ll be partnering and transitioning to contract with them for our classes that will go in here, clearly consulting with them on what is needed for electrical, plumbing and infrastructure,” Brown said.

The Board of Education took no action on the contracts Thursday. Chair Mark Brown said he wanted to schedule a special meeting to review the proposals when all members could be present.

Brown said the proposals are an early step in the construction process. Both contracts indicated a six month build time after the planning and bid process.