# Coffee County School Board Fall Retreat

The Coffee County School Board Fall Retreat held on September 24, 2026, focused extensively on educational and operational matters including technology procurement, budget challenges, and capital improvement projects. Key procurement discussions included the need to replace approximately 4,500 Chromebooks by 2029 due to end-of-support from Google, with anticipated costs rising from $230 to $400 per unit, and the necessity to budget for ongoing replacement of interactive panels and TVs across the district. The board also reviewed capital projects such as the Cardon Gerald Stadium visitor locker room renovation, which faced bid protests and legal injunctions, leading to plans for rebidding with a new metal building alternate estimated at $700,000. Additionally, the board discussed the stalled Hickerson and East Coffee school building renovations, with plans to resume progress pending budget and commission approvals. Budget discussions highlighted a loss of approximately $500,000 in revenue due to student shifts to Manchester City schools and the absence of Bonnaroo-related sales tax revenue, impacting the district's financial outlook. The board also reviewed federal and state funding allocations, including a significant increase in Title I funding linked to poverty rates, and the challenges of maintaining special education services amid rising costs. Policy discussions touched on student device usage restrictions and fee waivers, with an emphasis on balancing educational needs and fiscal responsibility. Overall, the meeting addressed critical procurement and budgetary issues affecting the district's technology, facilities, and educational programs, with several action items slated for future board consideration and commission meetings.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 24, 2026

### Sources
- [Coffee County School Board Fall Retreat](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkzuvxcH_7c) - CCSS CO