Monday’s groundbreaking at Bartlett High School formally kicked off “Built for Bartlett,” the two-year renovation and construction project that will transform and modernize the school. Costs are expected to be around $60 million.
Parts of the campus are 100 years old, and the most recent previous major renovation was 40 years ago. The current project is designed to improve the safety, accessibility and functionality at Bartlett High.
Bartlett Mayor A. Keith McDonald called it a team effort and said, “It is a great day for Bartlett in general, as we see the rebuilding of our school.”
Rep. Jim Coley said a few words of thanks for Rep. Ron Lollar, noting, “He shepherded the bill through the Legislature and did more hard work on it than anybody, and I think we need to give him kudos for what he did, and I’m very pleased.”
Coley said community members have told him they are happy to see the project begin. Property valuations also have gone up, meaning more property tax for the city, but he isn’t hearing any complaints.
Lollar praised the city and school officials working together to make this project happen. “Folks, you may not know it, but we’ve got a heck of a team here in Bartlett, Tenn. – a team that loves the kids and believes in what we’re doing.”
Superintendent Dr. David Stephens said, “We’re looking forward to coming back in a couple of years and cutting a ribbon, and it’s going to be an exciting time.”
He also mentioned the contributions of the contractors. Present at the ribbon cutting were Scott Fleming and Michael Winter of Fleming Architects; as well as representatives of Flintco, the project’s construction firm, including Vice President Tim Weatherford.
Stephens also called out Shelby County Commissioner David Reaves (Dist. 3-Bartlett, Lakeland) and Shelby County Trustee David Lenoir for their support of the project.
See more details about the renovations at builtforbartlett.com.
CAROLYN BAHM is the editor of The Bartlett Express. Contact her at (901) 433-9138 or via email to carolyn.bahm@journalinc.com.
