By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times
The Carter County Board of Education received an update on site preparation work for the new school facility during their regular meeting on Monday night. That update included information on division of water decisions about streams near the construction site and a timeline to begin removing trees to prepare for groundwork.
The architect, conferencing into the meeting remotely, explained that all work on the site will align with federal standards, including tree removal. Adhering to those standards means that no trees will be removed during the months of June or July, so that they don’t interfere with specific migratory animals who might roost in the trees during those months. Because of those restrictions, the architect explained, they would like to have as many of those trees as possible removed prior to June – though there is also a small window in August when they can remove any remaining trees.
Tree removal will be handled by the contractor working on site preparation, who will hire subcontractors to do the work. The board asked questions about the possibility of using a local logging company to do that job and were told that some local loggers had already reached out, and they were going through the process with them, as well as accepting contacts from other local loggers.
In related news, the architect announced that the Division of Water had issued an opinion that the drainages crossing the property did not meet the requirements to be considered as part of the U.S. waterway system, and as such they were not subject to restrictions from the Division of Water.
In other action the board heard from East Carter High School principal Corey Gee, who gave an update on the school’s academic and safety ratings, and discussed the various school clubs and organizations which he described as “all student led.”
This included the East Carter Unified Club, who gave a presentation on their mission and goals; the Future Farmers of America (FFA) who held a meeting where they debated a program to discourage vaping as part of their preparation for judging on parliamentary procedure; and the Family & Consumer Sciences Culinary & FCCLA students, who prepared refreshments for the evening.
Gee also recognized the high school band, who recently participated in the All County Band event at West Carter, and noted that after only two weeks of participation, the school’s e-sports team was currently ranked in the number one slot in the state ranking for Super Smash Bros.
Gee also discussed a school safety assessment they had gone through, noting that a lot of good advice came out of the assessment, and that he was “thankful” to have the opportunity to take part.
The board also heard about the closing day of school, which is currently set for May 23 for students, and May 24 for teachers, with the four days the district needs to make up. This included discussion about taking a half day on April 8, with early dismissal at Noon, so that students who wish to do so can witness the eclipse. Because the time when the eclipse is at its peak overlaps with the typical end of day routine, this would ensure those children who wish to observe the eclipse will be able to do so. To be sure the time is open for students, the school has also asked all athletic and other extracurricular groups not to schedule any practice or games from 2 – 5 p.m. on the same day.
The board also voted to set graduation dates and times, with East Carter’s graduation set for May 23 at 7 p.m. and West the following day, May 24, at 7 p.m.
In other action the board voted to award the bid for new internal electrical and IT infrastructure connections to KEDC, on the advice of technology director Barrett Bush. Bush also recommended CDW on the installation of an uninterrupted power supply, which would continue to supply buildings with power in the event of a brown out or other power outage. The board voted to approve that recommendation as well, before observing a brief executive session and then moving to adjourn.
Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com
