CSLA School Facilities Committee

Hamilton County Schools face some serious growth issues.
County Commissioners and School Board Members took on some of those issues today.
The meeting for the Hamilton County School Facilities Committee took place at the Chattanooga School For The Liberal Arts.
That gave County Commissioners and School Board Members one more chance to see the building first hand.
It’s old and crowded.
The tiles are coming off the ceiling, and the paint is peeling.
Rick Smith is the Hamilton County School Superintendent.
"Just being here is symbolic in the sense that we know this school with its age, and with its student configuration. This is an original elementary school. We’re housing both elementary and middle school students here, so it’s something to at least look at."
The Superintendent wants the magnet school to be replaced.
But when it comes to finding the money, CSLA has come up short in the past.
CSLA Principal Krystal Scarbrough is hoping that will change.
"Historically, we have supported all of the schools who have had needs. We have never said, pick us instead of them. But we’re to the point now where we really are needing a new facility and not at the expense of anyone else, but we are very hopeful that it is our turn."
The School Facilities Committee also took a look at some of the buildings that have been approved, including the new East Brainerd Elementary School.
When it opens its doors, it may already be filled with students.
The Superintendent knows those kids in Elementary School will eventually head to Middle School.
That means more growth, more overcrowding and more tough decisions that need to be made in the future.