County school updates will be completed in time for first day of school Aug. 6
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio
Todd Sanders provides the board with an update on ongoing projects at several district school buildings.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 — The renovation projects underway at several schools in the county school system are on schedule for completion prior to the start of classes on Aug. 6.
Todd Sanders, director of the district’s physical support services reported that work at Cox’s Creek Elementary School is ahead of schedule, and offices at the school would be open for employees as of 1 p.m. today.
“I’m sure they’re going to be excited about that because there’s a lot of work to do,” Sanders said.
The projects at Nelson County and Thomas Nelson high schools are on schedule for the start of school. Contractors will be on hand to help assist with any issues with the new heating and air conditioning systems that were installed over the summer, he said.
SCHOOL SCHEDULES. The board approved the 2014-15 schedules for the county schools, which prompted a discussion of alternative ways to provide instruction to students on days when schools are closed due to weather or other event.
Board member Damon Jackey, right, explains the benefit an alternative instruction method would offer during times of inclement weather.
Chairman Frank Hall suggested the board look for ways to allow teachers to do their planning remotely when school is out for weather, as well as provide students with an alternative for instruction.
Board member Damon Jackey agreed the district should work to have a plan in place for alternatives to in-school instruction. In-class instruction is always preferred, but when schools are closed “something is better than nothing,” Jackey said.
Jackey noted that nearly 90 percent of students have access to a computer at home, and nearly all of those have access to the internet, which would make online instruction possible. Most students have internet access via their phones or mobile devices, he said.
Superintendent Anthony Orr said the district had not explored it, but it would take a look at it.
In other action, the board:
— heard a presentation from Lisa Ingram, principal of the Nelson County Early Learning Center, about the projects and activities students participated in at the school last year.
— approved a $8,207.65 final payment for baseball and softball batting cage work to E. H. Construction.
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