School Board Holds Off On Requesting Money For New School

The Putnam County Board of Education voted Thursday to wait a little longer before asking the county commission to provide funding for a new school.

Chairman Dawn Fry said the board wants to make sure the number fits with what the county can afford.

“There’s always a concern with going to ask for money,” Fry said. “I know that there’s going to be some need in the jail and justice center area too. I know that our county has a limit on how much they can issue bonds for, so I think we’re just trying to go in with what we need, but also be good stewards of what we know this county can provide us with. So that’s why we’re holding off.”

Board members also approved a new schematic design for the proposed K-8 school in southwest Cookeville. The new design lowers the auditorium capacity from 1,000 to 600 and reduces the project’s overall estimated budget by $1.2 million to $45.57 million.

Fry did not say if the board has plans to reduce the overall cost for the project. She said if the board went that direction they would likely change from a K-8 model to a K-4.

“I know the community really wants a K-8 and I know several of the commissioners are in favor of it,” Fray said. “Our constituents really like that model and I do too, but that’s kind of where we are right now.”

Fry said the school board might consider moving forward with asking the county for funding during next month’s meeting.