Maintenance Helpdesk

Extensive is the word that comes to mind when discussing the state approved facilities plans for Catoosa County Public Schools in 2011. Over $40 million in new construction, renovations and modifications have been invested over the past six years. Two elementary schools (Battlefield Primary and Woodstation Elementary), one middle school (Heritage Middle) and one high school (Heritage High) have been completed and occupied; additions/major renovations have included auxiliary gymnasiums at Lakeview and Ringgold Middle Schools, a new administration area and auxiliary gymnasium at Ringgold High School as well as interior updates in the corridors and cafeteria at Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe High School. Each project continues to provide Catoosa County Public Schools a modern, safe, energy-efficient and attractive setting for education.

Along with the new construction and renovation, school interiors have been painted, ceiling tile, floor tile, and carpeting replaced; roofs repaired and replaced; and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems have been upgraded. Maintaining 17 schools, a county office complex, a bus garage, and a maintenance/transportation building is a comprehensive job for maintenance specialists and directors of maintenance and facilities.

Large, tree-shaded school campuses are attractive and peaceful settings for learning. Through the contributions of parent organizations and partners, campus landscaping makes each school appealing. All campuses meet or exceed state minimum requirements for acreage, with most campuses having nature trails and outdoor environmental classrooms. Secondary schools have spacious stadiums, tracks, softball and baseball fields, field houses, and band rehearsal fields. Six tennis courts have been added and the tracks upgraded and resurfaced at each high school through the cooperation of the Catoosa County government.

The current facilities plan is possible through an Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) of one cent on the dollar for a five-year period. The E-SPLOST was initially passed in 1997 and again in 2002, 2007 and 2011. E-SPLOST IV projects include a performance gymnasium and science classroom renovation at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School, and auditorium on the campus of Ringgold High School, as well as technology infrastructure and hardware upgrades throughout the school district.

The Environmental Services Department continues to raise the cleaning standard in every building throughout the county. Their "Green Cleaning Protocols" are making a significant impact on the learning environment for our students as well as being environmentally conscious and safe for our students and employees. The array of services offered now include a recycling program in each school and building, the use of 100% recycled paper products, green-seal certified chemicals and cleaning equipment, green cleaning standard operating procedures and required quarterly training with cleaning and chemical vendors.

This construction along with a variety of other projects and improvements within each department and throughout the county are part of the aggressive facilities plan of Catoosa County Public Schools.