Football field turf is ready for graduation

Rod Nix from Charles Black Construction gave an update on White County Schools recent construction projects at a Board of Education meeting on May 24. Nix started by saying that he is happy the new turf has been installed on the football field and that it’s ready for graduation this Friday night if the weather permits.

He went on to say that the materials that will be used to replace the roof at Tesnatee Gap Elementary have been delivered and construction will begin once school is let out for the summer. The construction on the new transportation center next to Tesnatee Gap Elementary coming along as well. “We had a pour scheduled for this morning, that didn’t go off because of rain. But we will be pouring footings next week and the building pad. The metal building will be here June the 24th, so that project is coming along really well,” said Nix.

Two weeks ago, Charles Black construction opened up bidding for the performing arts center and sports fields and they had over 80 contractors vying for work on 28 different bid packages. “Being that this project is funded with two different SPLOSTs, we divided the softball and baseball field. That site work into one GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price), and that GMP will be worth $4,200,088. And then the performing arts, we ended up with 729 seats in the performing arts, which is almost double of what’s in the facility now. And that GMP will be $17,991,955,” said Nix. The GMP of the sports complex also accounts for the price of the grading of the tennis courts and the parking lot when the project reaches that phase. Charles Black Construction hopes to get as much work done this summer as possible before the students come back for the 2022 to 2023 school year. Nix also mentioned that none of the fall sports teams will be displaced in the new school year and they will continue to practice on campus.

Board member John Estes asked what the estimated time of completion is on the performing arts center. Nix said, “I’m working through that right now. Now that I have contractors on board we’re working through. The big key right now is the structural steel joints and deck. Just knowing from some other projects, we are probably looking October to November getting structural steel. So that might push us back.” Nix said the goal is to open by August of 2023, but it’s more likely to be in December of 2023 and the departments will move in over Christmas break. However, Nix says this is not an official timeline and that they are still working through their options.

Board member Charlie Thomas brought up that members of the community have voiced their concerns about how the new construction has affected the Murdock Grave and nature trail at Tesnatee Gap Elementary. Nix said that the Murdock Grave has remained completely protected throughout the construction and clearing process. “I mean it’s off limits... it’s been preserved,” said Nix. Assistant Superintendent Scott Justus said that he has already spoken with Principal Octavius Mulligan about plans to remake the nature trail. “We preserved those benches where they had the nature trail.