By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
The Caverna Board of Education marked a major win for its ongoing construction projects during Tuesday’s special-called meeting. After meeting with contractors on Nov. 14, the bid for the work came in far below expectations.
Hunter Halfhill, with the architectural firm Sherman Carter Barnhart, told members the contract, including soft costs, would total about $1.7 million. Original projections hovered near $2.9 million for the package of roofing and canopy renovations and a new sports field restroom facility.
The unexpected savings prompted board members to revisit plans for added safety improvements at both the elementary and middle schools. Superintendent Amanda Abell said the district can now look at installing double-door entry systems, which will force visitors to check in at the front office before gaining access to the building.
She cautioned that reworking the elementary layout would be more challenging. The combined cost for both schools is estimated at $500,000. The board unanimously voted to proceed and include the upgrades in its bonding projects.
Staying on the theme of safety, the board finalized details for adding a second school resource officer from the Cave City Police Department.
The officer would primarily serve the elementary school beginning in January, with the district paying $25,000 across two installments to cover the remainder of the school year.
Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher said the city is reviewing next school year’s costs and expects “some increases” due to inflation and cost-of-living adjustments.
Board members also selected Allison Dennison as the district’s legislative contact, a role that will position her as the district’s liaison on state government matters.
The board’s next meeting is set for Dec. 11. “It’s going to be a very full agenda,” Abell said.
