The Dickson County Board of Education held a regular session on February 28, 2025, focusing on several key maintenance and project updates, particularly regarding lighting at local schools.
One of the main topics discussed was the need for urgent repairs and upgrades to the lighting systems at Nixon Middle School and other facilities. The board highlighted that the existing lighting at Nixon Middle School had failed prior to the last game of the season, necessitating immediate action to ensure functionality before the upcoming season. The board discussed the importance of ordering new lights promptly to avoid delays in the project timeline.
Mr. Haley presented the projected costs for the lighting upgrades, noting that the total for the Nixon Middle School field would be approximately $189,000, while another field would require around $124,600. The board also considered an additional $30,000 for custom color lighting, which sparked a discussion about whether this feature was necessary, as most local schools do not currently utilize color lighting.
In addition to the lighting issues, the board reviewed maintenance line items and discussed the financial implications of ongoing projects. It was noted that while there is some remaining budget, contingent expenses related to design fees could impact available funds. The board emphasized the need for careful financial planning as they move forward with various projects.
Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to addressing urgent maintenance needs while managing budgetary constraints effectively. The next steps will involve finalizing bids for the lighting projects and ensuring timely procurement to meet the upcoming sports season requirements.