McKenzie School Board Opens Bids for Heater, Asbestos Abatement

McKENZIE (April 7) — The McKenzie Special School District Board of Education met Tuesday, April 7, in the McKenzie High School Library, handling a range of district business just prior to the school’s annual honors banquet.

At the outset, the board approved an amended agenda to include two additional items: opening bid processes for a makeup air heater at McKenzie High School and for abatement services on the McKenzie Elementary School’s gym floor.

High school students Madeline Gottshall and Ava Hastings presented on their recent participation in a Student Congress on Policies in Education (SCOPE) debate event at Belmont University. Gottshall described the experience as valuable and said it provided insight into how school boards function and make decisions.

The board approved a request from the technology department to surplus outdated equipment, primarily older laptops that had already been stripped for usable parts. According to Director of Schools Dr. Justin Barden, the devices held no resale or recyclable value, leading the board to authorize scrapping the items in accordance with district policy.

On first reading, members also approved an update to the district’s policy manual following a recent change in state law. The revision expands the scope of public comment at meetings, allowing speakers to address not only items on the agenda but also matters relevant to the board’s jurisdiction. Dr. Barden noted the update ensures compliance with the new law and indicated further adjustments may be needed once legal references are finalized.

In facilities matters, the board approved opening a bid process for replacing a nonfunctional makeup air heater at McKenzie High School. The unit, which has not operated for several years, plays a role in regulating airflow and temperature within the building. Its failure has contributed to issues such as doors not closing properly, a concern flagged by fire marshals. An initial estimate for the project is approximately $56,000, with work anticipated during the summer.

The board also approved moving forward with a bid process for asbestos abatement in the gym floor at McKenzie Elementary School. Testing confirmed asbestos in the underlying tile and adhesive, requiring specialized removal before any new flooring can be installed. The abatement alone is expected to cost around $38,000. Officials said the project is complex and will likely take place over the summer, potentially requiring temporary closure of the space.

Currently, the gym floor is covered by a rubber layer, protecting students and faculty from asbestos exposure.

During the HR report, Dr. Barden announced that longtime music teacher Veda Haney plans to retire at the end of the school year after approximately 35 years of service.

In additional staffing updates, Amy Reed was hired as an assistant at McKenzie High School, working for the remainder of the school year. Victoria Ashley was also hired as an English/language arts teacher at McKenzie Middle School for the 2026-27 school year, filling the vacancy left by Molly Hannah Wilson.

Board members received updates on upcoming TCAP testing, spring athletics and recent student activities, including an Ag Day event for fifth graders. Student representative Gracie Aird also shared plans to travel to Atlanta later in April for an international DECA competition and said her travel group is seeking community support for the trip.

The board’s next meeting is Tuesday, May 5.