The Loudon County Board of Education voted to suspend work on bleacher repairs throughout the school system because of problems with the new bleachers at Fort Loudoun Middle School.

Board member Scott Newman requested the situation be added to the board’s Nov. 13 agenda for discussion. Newman said the recently installed bleachers did not allow access underneath for cleaning and the problem had been compounded when maintenance workers cut a hole in them to allow access. The hole reportedly has metal edges that Newman said would sooner or later “cut some kid.”

Newman also pointed out that handrails, which cost $4,000, are not secured. “It really is a shoddy job,” said Newman. He noted that having maintenance workers welding the bleachers could void any warranty that came with their purchase. He urged the board to stop all work on bleacher repairs, including work scheduled at Loudon High School, until the situation was resolved. He said the system should not, “touch another school until we get this right.”

Board Chairman Leroy Tate said the board could vote to stop construction. Board member Bobby Johnson, Jr. said he had, “never seen anything like this” and that when he had walked down the bleachers he feared the steps would give way. “We need to reevaluate,” Johnson concluded.

Board member Lisa Russell wanted to know how the situation came about. “Who decided to cut it out?” she asked. County Maintenance Director David Hemelright addressed the board from the audience saying the bleachers had been changed to allow access for the handicapped. He added the cut was “designed by the architect” and that the bleacher installer had determined where it would go.
Board member Bill Marcus said he felt work on bleachers should cease. Tate reminded the board that even if they stop the work the board would still be obligated for the contract. He also noted altering the set plans could cost more. “Changes cost money,” Tate said.

With that the board voted to halt all work on bleachers throughout the county school system. The board also voted to form a bleacher committee just for the project. Board members Larry Proaps, Steve Harrelson, Van Shaver and Lisa Russell will be on the committee which is scheduled to meet Thursday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. in the Central Office Board Room at the County Office Building in Loudon.