The Knox County Board of Education voted unanimously in favor on an agreement that would consist of building a new elementary school costing nearly $44 million.
The proposed design plans are for the new K-5 Farragut-area elementary school located at 202 Village Commons Boulevard. The entire property will encompass more than 144,000 square feet.
Last year, the school board approved plans to build a new school in Farragut. Assistant Superintendent of Operations Garfield Adams said the next step is approving a design.
According to an agreement form, it would cost $43.7 million for Merit Construction, Inc. to build the school. Adams said the funding was approved through the five-year capital plan.
“Very excited for a school that will ensure students have necessary space,” Adams said. “When you have adequate space and state of the art facilities, that is something that certainly enhances that student learning.”
The proposed design plan would build a one-story structure with three classroom wings that can serve up to 1,400 students. Adams said it would be one of the largest elementary schools in the district’s history. He said it will address the need for more space as Farragut continues to grow.
“We work closely with Knox County government. We look at projected numbers,” Adams said. “This additional elementary school will alleviate a lot of those concerns for parents and ensure that our students have the necessary capacity to enhance student learning.”
In addition to the school itself, the cost also includes “limited public street improvements parking, courtyard fences, fencing and playground/playfield.”
The school board discussed the proposed design at a meeting on Monday before voting on Thursday.
Adams said the next step is construction. It is expected to take two years to build before opening.
This school is part of the district’s plans to have three elementary schools in Farragut. Adams said once this one opens, Farragut Primary and Farragut Intermediate will be converted into K-5 schools.
Story courtesy of our news partner WVLT
