Final Follow-up Report
Image Credit: David Seal / The Tennessee Conservative
The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal] –
Elementary and middle school students at Rush Strong School in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee will no longer be exposed to dangerous elements like rusty nails, exposed rebar, and steel fibers protruding from car tires. Pressure from the public and elected officials finally persuaded school officials to act.
Certain elements of the new playground equipment are pictured below and later in this report.
One of many public officials that urged school officials to make improvements and mitigate a long set of problems that have plagued Rush Strong for years was County Commissioner Rob Blevins (R-Strawberry Plains) who represents the district where Rush Strong School is located. Commissioner Blevins was interviewed by the Tennessee Conservative News for this report.
“It has been a long hard fight to get the issues at Rush Strong School improved – But I would like to say Thank You to School Board Commissioners, Especially Paul Hardy, as well as Dr. Arnold and his staff for all that has been done to improve not only our Playground – Which was a lawsuit waiting to happen – but also for getting the parking lot and handicap spots re-painted and back up to par with the public’s expectations. I also appreciate the issues with unauthorized school dumpster use being taken care of and the additional gate being installed behind the school. The place is looking better and better inside and out, the Citizens of the 6th District see this and appreciates it.” – said Rob Blevins, District 6 County Commissioner
According to Dr. Tommy Arnold, Director of Jefferson County Schools, the cost of the playground renovation was approximately $100,000.00.
For background on the issue, the first in a series of reports is linked below.
School Board members are committed to reviewing and addressing capital projects and critical maintenance issues across the school district.
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
