Board approves Valley View LED sign renovation and 20 apple trees for Taylor Elementary

Two school-level projects cleared the Bradley County School Board on March 19: Valley View Elementary received permission to replace and slightly enlarge the LED portion of its sign using local fundraising and PTO dollars, and Taylor Elementary was approved to plant 20 donated apple trees as part of a second-grade STEM project.

Sarah Haines told the board the digital portion of Valley View's sign has been out of commission and that the renovation will be paid by fundraising, donors and a PTO match; she said no district funds were requested and a five‑year subscription for the sign-update service is included in bids already gathered. The board voted to allow the sign work to proceed.

Erica Shamblyn described a partnership with Apple Valley Orchard to donate 20 apple trees to Taylor Elementary for a hands‑on STEM curriculum. Shamblyn said the rural STEM collaborative grant will cover instructional resources and materials and that Apple Valley Orchard will return to help students care for the trees. Board members confirmed coordination with maintenance staff to avoid underground utilities before planting. The motion to approve planting passed by roll call (7 yes, 0 no).

Both approvals included the condition that facilities staff confirm exact planting locations and that vendors and bids be finalized before work begins.