Red Bay approves $18K to support schools

RED BAY — Councilmembers have agreed to spend nearly $18,000 for educationrelated expenses, including student records storage, pre-K support, and academic awards.

Susan Mack Wright and Tammy Payne requested $9,794.75 for five fireproof filing cabinets to store records for past graduates and withdrawn students.

Council member Brad Bolton said he wants the cabinets clearly marked as belonging to the City of Red Bay Education Fund and included in annual audits.

Also approved was a $5,000 annual donation to help fund a second pre-K class at Red Bay Elementary School. Mayor Mike Shewbart said the agreement has been in place since November 2023.

A $3,200 request from Red Bay High School Principal Brady Ramey and Red Bay Elementary School Principal Brandy Miller would be used to purchase trophies recognizing student academic performance. The funding includes $1,600 for high school awards and $1,600 for elementary awards.

Shewbart said the request had previously been reviewed by the city’s education committee.

However, a proposed $48,589.07 expenditure for a hallway and foyer project at Red Bay High involving flooring and painting work was delayed until additional information could be gathered.

Bolton questioned whether the project complies with bid law requirements and said he wants materials purchased locally when possible.

City Attorney Mitch McKinney said he wants additional clarification about where project funds would be spent and whether the project complies with bid law requirements.

The council authorized Shewbart, City Clerk Hannah Baggett, and McKinney to review the project’s details and report back to councilmembers before a vote is taken.

Shewbart said the project would help the school’s hallway and foyer area match the auditorium so “everything will look uniform.”