West Carroll Considers Safety Upgrades at its Three Schools

ATWOOD — Building improvements and safety upgrades were the topic of discussion during the May meeting of the West Carroll School Board of Education.

In August 2023, the Board voted to contract with Lashlee-Rich of Humboldt to serve as construction managers for safety enhancements at the three school sites. Greer Lashlee said he would submit a ‘maximum guaranteed price’ and construction options.

The preliminary inspection by Lashlee-Rich indicates more than an estimated $1.5 million in repairs, replacements and upgrades. All schools are working to improve the safety of their children with improved door entrances, new windows or safety-film coated windows, improved vestibules, and rekeyed doors.

Lashlee-Rich offers a flexible option for the school to make some or all repairs at one, two, or all three school sites.

West Carroll Primary at McLemoresville indicates a preliminary estimate of $556,791 for exterior doors, security film on exterior windows, new interior doors, and a secure vestibule.

West Carroll Elementary School at Trezevant indicates a preliminary estimate of $499,499. That includes exterior and interior doors, secure vestibule, and security film on windows.

West Carroll Junior/High School at Atwood indicates a preliminary estimate of $590,120 for security film on windows, new front door entrance, new windows, rekeyed doors at the ballfields, and install a new fieldhouse door.

West Carroll Board will evaluate the costs for the 2024-25 fiscal year beginning in July. The Board will choose the repairs to fund.

Earlier this school year, the Board approved a single metal detector made by CEIA at a price of $23,155. The system has two uprights positioned on each side of the entryway to screen incoming visitors. Mr. Caldwell said the CEIA system is portable and can be relocated to school doors or entrances at sporting events. The board reviewed options for a single handheld wand for $5,000 and the Evolve system, which was priced at $110,000.

Also, earlier this year, Martin Paving Company of Medina was awarded the bid to perform paving at the high school, and driveway sealing at the elementary and primary schools. The bid was $373,530 for two-inch of paving overlay at the high school, enlarging the bus loop, and making repairs. At the elementary, the dumpster pad will be excavated and replaced with new concrete and the pavement sealed. At the primary, the pavement will be resealed and striped and the sidewalk repaired. That work is to be completed during summer break.