Fentress County Schools entering the final phase of a multi-year infrastructure project to replace the doors at Pine Haven School to improve campus safety and energy efficiency.
Fentress County Director of Schools Kristi Hall said the project will cost approximately $200,000. Hall said the project began several years ago using ESSER funds. Hall said the wear-and-tear on the front doors created a safety issue.
“Obviously one of the the greatest impacts would be you know energy efficiency,” Hall said. “And then safety and security would also be impacted by that with these door window combos we are changing how they currently look from open glass you know to more secure structure.”
Hall said the district has submitted a budget to the county for the upcoming fiscal year that includes the final phase of the work. Hall said the project will likely be funded through the district fund balance as a non-recurring cost because the county has not yet approved the budget.
“The weatherstripping is wore out below the doors or the rust, the gap in where the hardware is worn out on those doors opening and closing them,” Hall said. “When you do that you do get small gaps and misalignment which can let in air and and weather. And so that obviously will help with energy efficiency in the building as far as not having to heat or cool as much when it’s more secure.”
Hall said the district expects the work to be completed by the end of the next fiscal year. Hall said officials hope to schedule the construction during school breaks avoid impacting daily classes.
“We’re hopeful that you know the the door window combos can be done when we’re not in school so maybe in the afternoons, on the weekends, during spring and fall break that type of thing,” Hall said. “So we don’t expect it to impact the daily running of school.”
Hall said the district is also preparing to bid out two other major security projects including a fencing initiative for all four elementary school playgrounds. Hall said the school system will also perform a complete remodel of every school vestibule to enhance security based on state safety assessments.
Hall said the district is also preparing for the start of summer school and the second year of its summer food distribution program. Hall said the food program begins June 5 and will provide seven breakfasts and seven lunches to local families.
“That’s always exciting when we’re able to bring our students back in and kind of bridge that summer gap and to continue educating our kids and and challenging them during the summer,” Hall said.
Hall said the original structures began to rust and deteriorate over time.