Building update discussions for the Shelbyville Central High School, Learning Way Elementary and Community High School projects dominated the Bedford County Board of Education meeting Thursday night.

Tom Grott, of American Constructors, reported Central will be issued its certificate of occupancy as early as Monday, about 12 days shy of the first day of school. Learning Way is also on target, with an expected finish date around Thanksgiving, and Community, while still in its beginning stages, is also on schedule.

"If you haven't been by the new high school, you ought to go by," said consultant Bud Melson, stating he's built a lot of schools and this one is top of the line. "You should be proud.

"If you haven't driven by Learning Way, drive by and see what four-and-a-half months can do."

For Community, "drive by at your own risk," he said, getting a little laughter out of the board members.

The board discussed concerns with the warranty that will be issued upon the completion of Learning Way Elementary. When the building is complete, likely around the holidays, subcontractors will sign off on the project and a one-year warranty will be issued.

But since the building will be unoccupied for several months, board members are nervous any potential problems with things such as the heating and cooling units may not be worked out prior to the warranty expiring in late 2009.

"This poses a serious concern," said Amy Martin after the meeting. Martin said the warranty will be up before students utilize the school for a complete winter. She said board members are trying to work out a resolution with the contractors such that the warranty will not be issued until May 2009, six months after the project completion, hence expiring in May 2010.

This would allow students a full year at the school, and any problems that could potentially arise would be covered under the warranty, Martin said.

Some board members, including Glenn Forsee, suggested the school hold events and meetings there a couple times a month, beginning when it's complete and when the warranty begins, to see if any problems arise.

But Barry Cooper, chairman of the board, said holding a couple meetings at the school a month wouldn't expose any potential problems.

"Where we find things out is when you fill it up with students," Cooper said. "That's when problems show up ... testing (the school) will not work with occasional events."

A thorough discussion closed with the concerns noted. The board also asked Grott to think on this matter and report back to them with any resolutions at a later meeting.

Interior designer Kimberly A. Michaud of KMI Designs in Brentwood presented her recommendations for interior finishes and colors for the Learning Way and Community projects.

For Learning Way, Michaud said, "We tried to do a little bit of a twist on the primary colors," noting the accent colors are bright and fun, and "soft grays and blacks will punctuate the accent colors without being too overpowering."

"It will be a very attractive school," said Ed Gray, schools superintendent.

Community, in which hues of gold and purple will be featured, "is more sophisticated with its use of geometrics."

The board passed a motion for Michaud to move forward with the designs.

In other action Thursday night

* A presentation was made to the board about peanut and tree nut allergies. See more on this story in a future edition of the Times-Gazette.

* The board approved a request from Southside Primary to install an aluminum walkway cover with lights at the front of the building. The school's PTO is paying for the addition.

* Kip Green was granted his request for easement regarding a future city greenway project that will touch East Side Primary School. There will be an area between the school's front entrance drive and the street for art exhibits.

"I recommend this. It will enhance the school," said Gray. "I'm for it."

* A motion for an agreement with Rutherford County BOE for Special Education Transportation was passed by the board. Gray explained that any blind students in Shelbyville would be transported to Murfreesboro, at which point Rutherford County will transport Bedford County students to the Tennessee School for the Blind.

"We don't have (any blind students) now," said Gray, explaining the need for the agreement. "But one could walk in tomorrow."

* Sheree Floyd reported that the School Age Care Program is doing well.

* Gray presented his Superintendent's Report, stating school authorities are ready to enforce the school dress code this year. Gray also reported that dress codes are not unusual for the Somali community, with whom he's communicated.

"All their schools have (dress codes or uniforms)," he said. "They are being very compliant."

* The meeting closed with the board acknowledging the death of Roger Brothers, who passed July 19. The board had voted to name the Community High School gymnasium after Brothers, a long-time County Commissioner, at its June 19 meeting.