JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Three bids under a tabulation for Whitwell High School’s auditorium’s renovation, in addition to separate bids to install new lockers across various schools within the county, were discussed and approved by the Board of Education.
As this past month’s meeting ensued, discussion on the bid tabulation was the first item discussed during the meeting . Donna Blansett of the Board questioning if whether much work was done on the project since it began back in 2024. The project has been in the works since October of last year, with initial plans to renovate the auditorium being in development throughout the fall and winter months. After additional months of planning, the final result to accept bids for the project have finally arrived for approval during the meeting.
It was explained that a full renovation will be in full swing for the entire interior. The renovation will include new lighting and sound systems, new chairs to replace the original seating, in addition to new interior painting for the facility. The curtain for the stage will also be replaced with a brand new one to take its place.
Three bids have been submitted by different contractors looking to partake in the task, with the lowest of the bidders being OLG Engineering from Tullahoma. The Board ultimately recommended them for the project.
Additionally, it was explained by Chairman Ryan Philips how a sole bid from MVI Construction was presented to the Board with the opportunity of adding in new lockers for various schools across the county, including Marion County High School, Monteagle Elementary School, Whitwell High School, and South Pittsburg High School. The total amount submitted was $543,515.28 for the project, which has been in the works for some time by the Board.
The bid tabulation for the auditorium project, in addition to the bid submitted for locker installations, was given the go ahead by all members of the Board of Education. With both bids being passed during the meeting, both projects are also set to officially begin within the near future.
