Dalton School Board to Vote on Major Renovation Projects
Members of the Dalton Board of Education will convene on October 9, 2023, to discuss significant renovation projects for The Dalton Academy and the Fort Hill building. The monthly public meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the City Park School auditorium, located at 405 School St., and will be livestreamed on the school system’s website. A work session will precede the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m.
One of the main agenda items is the potential approval of a $10,604,829 guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for renovations at The Dalton Academy. The renovations focus on enhancing the school’s career, technology, and education (CTE) program. According to district officials, the contractor, SmithBuilt Construction Group, is collaborating with the Buckley & Associates architectural firm on this project.
Officials noted that the project has received approval for over $1 million in state capital outlay funding. The renovation plans include a new shingle roof for the entire building, with a significant portion of the work aimed at retrofitting the newer wing to better serve CTE programs. Notably, the current GMP does not cover the renovation of a metals laboratory for the CTE program, which may be addressed in subsequent years.
If the board approves the renovations, the initial phase of the project is expected to be completed by fall 2026, with work likely commencing before the end of 2025.
Additional Renovation Plans for Fort Hill Building
In addition to The Dalton Academy, board members will also consider a $384,194 GMP for renovation work on the Fort Hill building, located at 104 Fort Hill Terrace. This building is slated to become the school system’s new central office. The Felker Construction Company, based in Dalton, was previously approved as the construction manager at-risk for this project during the May 2025 board meeting.
In July 2025, Felker Construction provided an initial GMP of $777,476 for essential upgrades, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, as well as windows and fire alarms. The new GMP of $384,194 will cover the installation of a fire sprinkler system, painting, drywall, storefront doors, and some demolition. District officials anticipate presenting another GMP for electrical work at the November board meeting, followed by a fourth GMP for an elevator in the spring.
Legislative Updates and Enrollment Figures
Monday’s meeting will also feature a discussion regarding House Bill 340, passed by Georgia lawmakers in May as the “Distraction-Free Education Act.” The bill mandates local school systems to implement policies governing the use of personal electronic devices by students in kindergarten through eighth grade during school hours and school-sponsored events. It authorizes the Georgia Department of Education to provide guidance and technical assistance related to these policies.
Superintendent Steven Craft will deliver announcements for the month of October and present the administration report for September. According to the report, total enrollment for the school system was 7,389 as of September 10, which represents a decrease of 251 students compared to the previous year. By September 19, enrollment figures rose slightly to 7,397, still reflecting a shortfall of 230 students from the same timeframe in 2024.
Additionally, Associate Superintendent of Academics Brandi Moore will provide an update on the Dalton Reads! literacy initiative, while Chief of Finance Theresa Perry will present financial reports for June and September.
This meeting promises to address critical developments in the Dalton educational community, with significant implications for infrastructure and student engagement in the coming years.
