The anticipation may finally be over for those waiting since 2017 for construction of an agriculture barn at WCHS.
During the last School Board meeting, representatives from Farm Credit presented a check for $16,500 for the project. Future Farmers of America (FFA) now has around $41,500 set aside for construction of the barn. The Board also committed $41,500 in matching funds from the school system.
After the check presentation, Director of Schools Bobby Cox explained that the comptroller allowed them to get quotes for the barn, but that the School Board still has to operate under fire marshal regulations. So far, there are four formal quotes to choose from, including Grissom Underground, Superior Walls, Norris Construction and FTM.
Architect Allen Hill of Upland Design Group said two of the quotes were for a smaller sized building instead of a 40-foot by 60-foot structure. Additionally, most of the proposals pulled the concrete slab out as a separate item.
“For the concrete slab, the best price appears to that of Confidence Builders and I’m hesitant to say this number because I don’t know if the board would be interested in obtaining other quotes or if today is the day we are accepting proposals.”
Danielle Smith, WCHS Agriculture Education and FFA advisor, also presented information she obtained from Summertown Metals saying it has a 40 by 60 barn for $10,900. However, this isn’t with fire marshal approval.
Explained Hill, “If they are providing a kit of materials for this application, they will need to be able to provide a stamped engineer drawings that it meets …”
Interjected Smith, “I thought we didn’t have to have a stamp if it was under $25,000.”
Answered Hill, “I’m thinking for liability reasons you are putting kids in there you want it to be stamped by a professional engineer that the size of the columns and beams would meet building code.”
Cox reiterated that fire marshal regulation and liability is the issue and said using the barn as a classroom takes it to a higher level.
Smith also mentioned the placement of the barn, preferring to have it beside the school.
“We have to think about ADA compliance with our students,” said Smith. “How are we going to get kids all the way behind the baseball field if they are in wheelchairs? It would be safer for the animals too.”
Cox mentioned looking at the area behind the greenhouse. However, utilities would have to be identified.
The decision was tabled until Smith received a quote from Summertown Metals. A decision is expected to be made at Wednesday’s called School Board meeting at 5 p.m.
