Two Crockett County schools will begin renovations and expansion beginning in May.
The three-stage project is broken down into multiple phases. While the Crockett County School board has a general idea of how each stage will be broken down, stage one will take priority beginning this spring.
Stage one of the major project is estimated to cost $8.1 million, adding an additional driveway access point to Crockett County Middle School (CCMS) as well as the foundations for eight classrooms and 12 to 13 additional classrooms to Crockett County High School (CCHS).
Changes within the Crockett County School System at this magnitude of growth, haven’t happened since 2001 when the Crockett County Commission agreed to issue $15 million in bonds to build elementary schools in Friendship and Maury City, renovate and expand Gadsden Elementary and add a band room to CCMS.
Students who were some of the first to utilize the new schools within the county are now graduating and making their way through the middle and high schools.
According to the July 19, 2001 edition of the Crockett County Times, the county experienced a 33-cent property tax increase during this time for educational funding. Mayor Gary Reasons stated that since he took office, the loan has been refinanced twice but the life of the loan was not extended, however, the interest was lowered. Final bond payment on this addition is expected to be paid January 2025 for the 2024-25 budget year.
As there have been many components of the expansion to CCMS and CCHS, it was decided by a roll call voted by the Crockett County commissioners to acknowledge an estimated 15-cent tax increase and the school proceed with stage one of the renovations and expansion.
“Interest rates are very attractive at the moment for a project of this size,” said Crockett County Mayor Gary Reasons. “Right now Crockett County has a AA bond rating, which allows the county to receive very attractive offers from lending institutions. The commission saw the need for educational growth within the counties youth and chose to move forward.”
The first stage includes two phases, which will begin with the renovation of CCHS Career and Technical Education (CTE) building. The renovation of this building will add four classrooms to the already existing building and expand the existing classrooms. An additional building hosting many of the new classrooms will expand out from the CTE building towards Cavalier Drive. The expansion not only allows for added space for children but for an expanded curriculum to enhance students’ future career interests.
“Our School system has continually worked to provide the best opportunities for our students,” said Director of Schools Phillip A. Pratt. “These include college credits through local dual enrollment and advanced placement courses and technical certifications through our CTE instruction and cooperation with TCAT sites in West Tennessee. Our school-sponsored organizations are competitive at state and national levels and our athletic teams are obtaining greater titles each year. Our system provides extra-curricular opportunities for all students, in fact, 693 out of 840 students participate in some type of extra-curricular activity, whether athletic or academic.”
Phase one of stage one must begin as soon as school commences in May to ensure its completion by the start of school in August. According to Pratt, students will be asked after final exams to help clear the building in preparation of the CTE building renovation. The simple act of assisting in moving furniture and supplies before the work begins will save the school and county a significant amount of money.
“These diverse STEM and CTE courses offered through our middle and high schools are preparing students to be better engaged in technical fields of study,” said Mayor Reason.
Phase two of stage one will include an eighth grade wing in the grass area between CCMS band room and gymnasium. An additional entrance to CCMS will run through the grass area to the right of the school from Cavalier Drive to the main office parking lot. This phase is expected to be complete by March 2021.
“The Crockett County School System’s board members, administrators, faculty and students are looking forward to the next chapter in our district’s history,” said Pratt. “The addition and upgrades will allow our students exposure to possibilities in a world being molded by ever-changing career paths. These upgrades and additions will allow students the ability to explore those new possibilities.”
