The Coffee County Board of Education approved a contract not to exceed $60,000 with Wold (architect/engineer) to design possible fixes at Coffee County High School that would add classroom doors or construct interior corridors to replace the building's open-plan layout.

District staff and Wold representatives told the board the high school was built on an open floor plan in the 1970s and that some classrooms currently have no doors. Staff said that creates safety and operational problems — for example, responding to an intrusion and allowing students to re-enter classrooms after leaving for restrooms — and that the design study will identify mechanical, sprinkler and fire-alarm impacts and provide cost estimates.

Wold provided two preliminary options in board materials: (1) add doors and fill open areas to meet current code and safety needs, or (2) build corridors with doors off the corridor (the more extensive option). Board members and staff said construction will require a budget amendment and additional funding; the $60,000 approval covers architectural and engineering design work only.

During discussion, board members asked about the number of classrooms affected and specifics of mechanical and sprinkler impacts; staff said those details will be identified during the design work and that the number of classrooms affected was not specified at the time of the meeting. The district said it will meet with the safety committee and high school leaders as Wold develops designs.

Votes at a glance: Motion to contract Wold for architectural/engineering design work related to adding classroom doors/corridors at Coffee County High School, not to exceed $60,000 — Mover: Miss Jones; Seconder: Miss Hodge; Outcome: approved (7–0).

Board members asked Wold to coordinate with the district safety committee, school leadership and staff as the work proceeds. Construction cost estimates and any required budget amendments will return to the board for approval.