BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Martin County Board of Education announced in a special meeting Oct. 11 that it is soliciting construction bids on two projects – a vestibule at the middle school and solar installation at the high school.
Superintendent Larry James told BOE members about the district’s plan to construct a vestibule inside Martin County Middle School, emphasizing the safety benefits.
“This project at the middle school will add an extra layer of protection,” James said. “As you walk into the door, you will have to check in. The middle school is beautiful, but the office is not right there, so this gives us another second to get our eyes on someone.”
The BOE approved and will advertise for bids, with Chairperson Kathleen Price noting, “We can’t be too safe.”
Additionally, the BOE approved construction documents for solar panel installation at Martin County High School, for which the district is soliciting bids.
James hopes to receive bids for both projects before the November meeting.
“I’m not worried about getting bids on the solar project,” stated James. “I’m worried about the vestibule because it’s a $50,000 job, and I don’t know how many bidders we will get. Usually [contractors] like the big jobs.”
The BOE commenced its special meeting by acknowledging the achievements of high school golfers Kennadi Evans and Jake James. Evans participated in the state golf tournament, while James competed in both the state tournament and the All “A” Classic state tournament. Both students said they could outperform their fathers in golf.
Following this recognition, the board proceeded with its agenda, approving paid warrants amounting to $714,687. Treasurer Ernest Hale explained that these expenditures were routine operational costs, stating, “These are all just regular operations.”
The BOE also sanctioned Orders of the Treasurer totaling $826,593. Hale clarified, “This includes a $271,000 bond payment and $555,000 in regular operational costs.”
The board approved a contract between Vanessa Keeton and the Martin County Middle School Youth Service Center for Keeton’s role as a presenter during Red Ribbon Week.
“The Youth Service Center pays for it,” commented James. “We approve for them to pay her during that time.”
Jason Jewell, the school district’s maintenance director, briefly updated his department’s activities. Jewell has collaborated with Hale about upgrades at Eden Elementary, Martin County Middle School, and district sports facilities. He discussed security enhancements related to key access, updates to heating and cooling unit filters, repairs to leaky pipes, and implementation of a new maintenance ticket system.
The BOE’s next regularly scheduled meeting is Nov. 16 at 6 p.m.