BOE attorney advises against advertising for JES bids

TOP PHOTO: Here is a look at the expansion of the JES Gym where the new bleachers will be installed.

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- One of the items on Tuesday’s Campbell County Board of Education agenda was a request for permission to advertise for bids on the renovations at the Jacksboro Elementary School Cafeteria. BOE Attorney Dail Cantrell advised the board against that request.

Cantrell noted that just because GCE Construction has stopped working on the expansion project of the gym and cafeteria, it may be planning to start back anytime, say, after Labor Day. “GCE is still under contract, and following through with the aforementioned bid request severs the contract,” said Cantrell.

“GCE has new attorneys, and I think they have a handle on the situation. We’ve had some very productive conversations. They are supportive of a mediation,” said Cantrell.

The project, where ground was broken in July 2024, has had its share of challenges. At the time, the cafeteria and gym expansion project was expected to be completed by early fall of 2025.

It’s a $2.490 million dollar project. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-08/12/2026-6AM)