Board approves Cope contract to design four-classroom expansion at Waterville

The Bradley County School Board authorized a design contract with Cope Architecture on March 19 to produce architectural and engineering plans for a four-classroom expansion at Waterville Community School.

Corbett Drewing and Cope representatives briefed the board on a scope focused on adding four classrooms connected to the existing building so the rooms are not standalone. Drewing said the project was the board's top priority from a recent workshop and described the scope as relatively simple — four classrooms with a connector — and noted the district had intentionally descoped cafeteria and gym enlargement to keep the scope focused and cost-controlled.

Board members asked about restrooms and sink requirements; staff said proximity to existing bathrooms was part of the design consideration and that required fixtures would be included. A budget figure cited in the discussion for the construction scope (design excluded) was approximately $2,350,000, but staff said final cost estimates will be refined during the design phase and include contingencies for unforeseen conditions.

The board voted to approve moving forward with Cope for design and engineering services; the motion passed by roll call (7 yes, 0 no). Staff said future updates will include refined cost estimates, design timelines and any scope adjustments.

The vote clears the way for Cope to begin site visits and design work; the board will review detailed design and final cost recommendations in a future meeting before construction is awarded.