In November 2018, Roane County voters authorized a school bond levy focused on the health and safety of our students and staff, themed "Securing Our Future."
Through careful management and thoughtful planning, the construction program funded by this issue has continued to perform well below budget, allowing the Board to fund additional projects throughout the county.
This is the third in a five-part series recapping the construction program undertaken as a result of that bond levy.
Perhaps the most visible improvements made to the schools during the bond levy construction program has been to their parking lots. Though not a direct instructional impact, the safety and neat appearance of a well-maintained parking lot can do much to increase community pride and staff and student morale.
Funding for parking lots is not included in any state or federal program, as the State Aid for maintenance looks only at the internal square footage of each building. Exteriors then become completely a local responsibility, but most local budgets barely cover teachers, service personnel, and buses above those provided by the total State Aid formula.
Under this bond levy construction program, parking lots at four of five schools have been completely resurfaced, with the lots at RCHS on hold until the construction of the new Spencer Middle School is underway. Given favorable costs, work was also done to increase the number of parking spaces available at the current Spencer Middle and Spencer Elementary, replace and/or expand exterior lighting at Spencer Elementary, Walton, and Geary; replace unsafe sidewalk areas at the current Spencer Middle and enhance accessibility at Spencer Elementary; and resurface and provide better drainage for the walking path behind Geary leading to the Roane County branch library nearby.
SECURING OUR FUTURE - PAVING AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING
| Budget for Project Area | Actual Cost to Date | Remaining Budget |
| $1,512,000 | $1,130,000 | $382,000 |