Photo courtesy of Jackson Madison County School System
Product shortages and rapidly approaching deadlines have caused concern for Jackson-Madison County School System stakeholders as construction efforts continue at the JCM 6- 12 campus. With the 2021-2022 school year scheduled to begin Monday, August 2, Superintendent Dr. Marlon King is resolute in his desire to make the building available for classroom activities in August.
“The situation we’ve inherited is the situation we have to solve. I am challenging our Operations team to work with Crocker Construction to open the school for students before fall break. It will take creativity and flexibility, but we owe it to our students and employees to consider all options,” Superintendent Dr. Marlon King said.
Despite subcontractor delays, completing items related to safety; fire alarm sprinklers, extinguishers and electrical, will be the most critical needs in securing a temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO). This would create opportunities for a staggered start to allow learning to begin on campus in August.
“Dr. King has challenged us to develop a strategic plan to expedite the move-in process. Installed items like cabinets and smart boards can begin earlier than moveable items; furniture and tables can’t be set up until the TCO is granted by the Fire Marshal’s office,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ricky Catlett said.
Increases in staffing and construction hours are taking place at the Jackson Central-Merry 6-12 campus as Healthy Community, LLC works to complete major renovations and new construction by July 31.
“Our crews are working extended hours and we’ve recently approved some work to start on an evening shift. We’ve moved some manpower, contractors in electrical and drywall, from Madison to JCM to improve our odds in terms of timing,” Crocker Construction CEO Hal Crocker said.
Mr. Crocker will provide updates for School Board members at the Work Session on June 7.