Alcoa School Board approves $1.2 million for renovations to Pershing Academy of Learning building

Alcoa Board of Education has approved $1.2 million in funds to renovate the Pershing Academy of Learning building.

During Monday afternoon’s board meeting, Director of Finance Thomas Shamblin addressed the board with revisions to the original budget proposal.

Originally, part of the funds to cover the renovations were to come out of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief budget, a relief fund set up in response to Covid-19, but because those funds are from the federal government, any contractors that ACS worked with, would be required to adhere by The Davis-Bacon Act and Related Acts.

According to the Tennessee Department of Education’s website, The Davis-Bacon Act and Related Acts applies to contractors working on federally funded or assisted projects. The contract states that contractors must pay their laborers and mechanics a “locally prevailing wage rate” that is determined by the Department of Labor.

Shamblin’s revised plan had the funds coming out of the Fund Balance, which would give them a little more flexibility in spending since they wouldn’t be dealing with the restrictions that come with ESSER funds and save the district about $80,000, he said.

“When ESSER funds are used for projects that require wages, the cost is increased considerably due to the Davis Bacon Act,” the proposal read.

The plan offered two routes for renovation. The first option only covered renovations to the second floor of the building. The proposed cost is $895,479.66.

The second option included extending the vestibule, lighting renovations, bathroom renovations, a door installation at the rear exit and installing window blinds. The cost of this option is $1.2 million.

Shamblin told the board he had concerns about putting off the renovations. He was concerned that if they waited, costs in the future may be higher than what they would pay now.

They won’t necessarily use the entire $1.2 million, Shamblin said. It was still undetermined whether they would go with complete renovations or only focus on the second floor; however, Shamblin wanted the full amount approved so the school would be prepared for either outcome.

The cost of renovations also includes architecture and engineering costs, IT equipment, project contingency and project management.