News Summary
Chattanooga schools have outlined ambitious plans for extensive renovations and new constructions at various public schools, aiming to enhance educational facilities. The proposals, backed by thorough research and public input, include a budget of $200 million to $230 million for initiatives such as transforming the Gateway Campus into a new high school focused on creative arts and computer science. The plans also feature merging several elementary schools into a single facility and expanding capacity at existing campuses to better serve the community’s educational needs.
Chattanooga Reveals Plans for Major School Renovations and New Construction
Chattanooga schools have announced ambitious plans for significant renovations and new constructions across various public schools, as revealed by the Hamilton County School Superintendent. These proposals come after months of thorough research and public feedback, aiming to enhance educational facilities and opportunities for students throughout the region.
The two proposed plans outline a projected budget ranging from $200 million to $230 million. Both options prioritize the renovation of the Gateway Campus into a new Chattanooga High School, which intends to introduce specialized pathways in creative arts and computer science, along with the possibility of adding more Career and Technical Education pathways in the near future.
Additionally, the proposals suggest the merging of Alpine Crest, Rivermont, and Dupont Elementary Schools into a single, new facility. A critical distinction between the plans lies in the proposed locations for this combined school. Furthermore, the initiative includes converting the Cigna building into a new East Brainerd Elementary School to support the local community’s educational needs.
Details of School Upgrades
Among the other notable recommendations is the expansion of Thrasher Elementary to increase its capacity to accommodate 800 students. There is also a proposal to rebuild Clifton Hills Elementary on its current site, ensuring that the new structure adheres to flood zone regulations, designed to similarly host 800 students.
Plans further indicate the renovation of the existing Brainerd High School site into a 6-12 educational campus, thereby merging the communities of Dalewood Middle and Brainerd High School.
Options for Soddy Daisy Schools
The future of Soddy Daisy Middle and High Schools is also part of the proposals, offering two alternatives: either to renovate the combined campus or to build a new middle school on the existing site. Should the latter option be selected, it would incur an additional cost of between $20 million and $30 million.
Considerations for Red Bank Community
In Red Bank, parents have noted potential changes in location for a new, larger elementary school. This new facility is being considered for the site of the now-closed Red Bank Middle School on Dayton Boulevard. In support of this development, Red Bank commissioners have allocated $1 million from American Rescue Plan funds towards the construction of the new school should it locate within Red Bank.
Next Steps
Updates regarding these educational initiatives will be discussed in the forthcoming Hamilton County School Board meeting, where officials will review the community feedback and refine the proposals as necessary.
These proposed developments signify a committed effort by educational leaders to improve the quality of schooling and support the diverse needs of students in Chattanooga, paving the way for future educational advancements.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Hamilton County School District reports student
- Wikipedia: Education in Tennessee
- Citizen Tribune: Best Public Middle Schools in the Chattanooga Metro Area
- Google Search: Chattanooga school renovations
- Nooga Today: City Guide – Schools Chattanooga
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga school development
- WDEF: Red Bank Invites Feedback on Former Red Bank Middle School Site
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School renovations
- Manchester Times: Best Public Middle Schools in the Chattanooga Metro Area
- Google News: Chattanooga schools
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
