Dickson County Board approves RFQ for roof repairs and authorizes $32,500 for gutter design

The Dickson County Board of Education on Feb. 26 authorized staff to publish a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to prequalify roofing contractors for major roof projects, including work at Dickson County High School, and approved a separate authorization to use capital/design funds for immediate gutter design work.

Maintenance staff described emergency roof and gutter damage at multiple campuses and recommended prequalifying qualified roofing contractors so a larger roofing bid can proceed when capital funding is secured. "At this point you're not spending any money for that; you're just getting yourself aligned ahead of the stream," said Mr. Clifton during the discussion about timing and readiness to bid.

The board approved the RFQ by voice vote. Trustees then considered an emergent gutter situation that staff recommended be addressed through the district's construction manager‑at‑risk to accelerate repairs. The board approved a motion to authorize architectural/design fees not to exceed $32,500 from existing capital/design allocations to develop gutter designs and allow the construction manager to solicit bids; insurance representatives clarified that insurance typically covers damage but not design fees.

Board members discussed warranty considerations and the value of completing design work to avoid future failures. Staff said existing design fee funds could cover the design work immediately and that bid numbers would still return to the board for final cost approval.

The approvals give staff authority to line up contractors so work can proceed quickly if and when capital outlay funds are allocated; actual construction expenditures still require separate board approval once bids are received.

Next steps: staff will publish the RFQ to qualify roofing contractors and proceed with the gutter design work; construction bids will be returned to the board for amendment or approval once available.