SCS contemplates remodel of Bynum Auditorium & Trammell Stadium

Clarion Top News

Thursday, 05 December 2024 10:31

Recently, Scottsboro Board of Education Superintendent Amy Childress spoke to members of the board regarding a Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth Capital Grant modification.
Childress explained that she would like to see the item moved onto the agenda as an action item, meaning members would vote to approve or deny the grant modification. Last year, this grant was written for a multipurpose building at Scottsboro High School. However, there were not enough local funds to support matching the grant for that project. In August, the grant was amended in the amount of $1.483 million.

$779,000 for the remodel of Trammell stadium would include payback for the new scoreboard installed last year, demolition of existing lighting and electrical, new sound equipment, new stadium lighting and general electrical work. Childress explained that newer technology is needed at the stadium. During conversation it was mentioned that the bulbs for the field are expensive and becoming obsolete.

$704,300 for the remodel and upgrade of Bynum Auditorium, located at the Central Office, would include the removal of existing seating and carpet, thermal moisture protection, carpet, painting, ceiling tiles, concrete polishing, auditorium seating, a business “board” desk and electrical work. The carpet was replaced in 2021 following a flood.

Childress explained that these projects have to be approved as soon as possible. She further explained that the hope is to have the auditorium for anything the schools may need.

Board of Education member Patrick Dicus spoke and stated, “This is the first I’ve heard about these projects. It’s a lot of money.” He went on to say, “I understand Trammell. The auditorium concerns me because it really doesn’t service our kids that much. We recently talked about school safety and it being a big issue. I was looking at the capital plan. We have fencing on there for Trammell. Would they not tear out fencing when they redo the lighting?”

Dicus continued, “School safety is our priority first and foremost. This [Bynum Auditorium] was number 19 on our capital improvement list, and a lot of other things are higher priority.
Childress said, “During the December work session, safety items and ways to pay for those including a comprehensive safety plan will be discussed.”

Dicus questioned if board members Dr. Gary Speers and Patrick Woosley were aware of this proposal. Childress explained that this was the first time the amendment proposal had been brought to the table.

Dicus requested that the item be tabled until the next work session although it may throw the time line off. The item is expected to be placed on the next work session.