The board voted to demolish the school, except for the gymnasium, and give the land to the county during Thursday’s voting session.
“I do believe that the gym is an asset to the county,” board member Troy Weathers said.
Board members also approved the bid for the demolition.
Board members have said the land could be used to expand the county-owned park near the site. Board member Christy Critchfield suggested the site could be used to create a memorial.
“I think it would be a great place for a memorial to everyone that they lost in the (April 27, 2011) tornadoes,” Critchfield said.
This idea was also presented in passing by 6th District Commissioner Robert Rominger during the Bradley County Commission’s voting session Monday.
During Thursday’s meeting, the Board of Education accepted a bid for bleachers and athletic equipment for the Michigan Avenue Elementary gym. Cason Conn of Tri-Conn Construction said construction on the gym is still on schedule to be completed in late April.
The board also voted to move forward with the purchase of property near Michigan Avenue Elementary School.
“McDaniel and I felt like this property was a good purchase and could benefit us,” board chairman Charlie Rose said. “One of the problems we had at Blue Springs was there was no property available to purchase to expand like we needed to.”
Weathers said the land is off Benton Pike behind the school. He said the land could be used to offer more parking for the school in the future. The property will be purchased for $25,001, plus closing costs.
Angie Lyon of Kaatz, Binkley, Jones and Morris Architects informed the board the application for the Federal Emergency Management Agency grant toward new construction at Lake Forest Middle School, Walker Valley High School and the new Blue Springs Elementary School had been submitted.
