Warren County board accepts $416,500 West Elementary gym bid, tables cafeteria expansion and approves budget and policy items

The Warren County Board of Education approved multiple operations and finance items at its regular meeting, including awarding the West Elementary gym renovation contract and approving several budget and policy actions.

Board members voted to accept the low bid from Boyce Ballard Construction (Murfreesboro) for the West Elementary gym renovation, reported at $416,500. The renovation scope includes updated restrooms, a new hardwood court, new goals and bleachers, and demolition of two storage rooms to lengthen the playing floor. Staff said nine companies submitted bids and Upland Design recommended accepting the low bid. Mr. Johnson made the motion and the board voted to approve the award.

A separate bid for a cafeteria expansion at Warren County High School was not acted on after a contractor notified staff it lacked some information from the bid packet. Alan Hill of Upland Design told the board bids will be opened the following Tuesday and recommended tabling the item; the board moved, seconded and tabled the approval pending the next bid opening and potential special meeting to act quickly.

On finance matters the board approved General Purpose Budget Amendment No. 11, moving $62,824.45 into an equipment line tied to a cybersecurity grant that had unspent statewide funds redistributed to districts. The board also approved the district’s federal programs budget resolution that governs federal funds passing through county administration, and on first reading approved the State of Tennessee textbook certification for health and CTE titles.

The board also approved a one‑line revision to Policy 1.404 (public comment) on first reading to reflect a newly passed state law requiring that agenda topics and matters germane to the board’s jurisdiction be allowed for public comment, provided sign‑up and procedural rules are followed.

During the meeting the board moved and seconded a nomination to submit a TSBA Volunteer of the Year nomination; the motion to nominate Ryan Phillips carried by voice vote. Several board members offered praise for volunteers and staff throughout the evening. The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn.

Next steps: staff will proceed with contracting for the West gym renovation and return to the board for financial approvals; bids for the cafeteria expansion will be opened next week and the board may call a special meeting to act.