State Treasurer David H. Lillard, Jr. and State Representative David Hawk presented a check for $142,910 to Greene County Schools, and $71,444 to Greeneville City Schools, providing targeted local support for school improvement projects.
The Public School Construction and Maintenance program was established by the Tennessee General Assembly to help public school systems address construction and maintenance needs.
Administered by the Tennessee Department of Treasury, the program provides annual funding awarded in priority order, depending on the amount available each fiscal year. Over $10.5 million in Public School Construction and Maintenance funds were awarded to school systems in Tennessee in FY25-26.
The $142,910 will help replace aging bleachers at North Greene High School football field, where the concrete bleachers have severely deteriorated and pose safety concerns for spectators. The funds will help offset the cost of installing new aluminum bleachers.
“We didn’t realize how bad the bleachers had deteriorated until we started demolition this summer, and it was very much a safety hazard,” Chris Malone, Director of Greene County Schools. “So, this money is a great help to the community of North Greene. I was excited to know that the money was coming from the General Assembly to help our schools with capital projects. Every penny helps.”
Greeneville City Schools will use the extra $71,444 to replace two rooftop, water-source heat pump HVAC units.
“You don’t often think about roofs and HVAC when you think about schools, but they all need them; you definitely know when you don’t have one,” said Jason Horne, Assistant Director of Greeneville City Schools. “So, it means a lot that the General Assembly thought enough of what we do to give us money for these needs.”
Local legislators praised the Public School Construction and Maintenance program and its impact on Tennessee’s public schools.
“Strong schools begin with safe, well-maintained facilities, and this funding will help ensure students and teachers have the environment they need to succeed,” said Senator Steve Southerland, R-Morristown. “I’m proud the General Assembly continues to invest in projects that strengthen our communities and support the next generation.”
“One of the biggest costs to taxpayers, in terms of property taxes and other taxes collected by local governments, has been schools and capital investments in our schools, and to be able to make this investment through our Treasurer’s Office, the Tennessee General Assembly, and the administration, is very meaningful, to help offset some of the extreme costs that they have going forward,” said State Representative David Hawk, R-Greeneville, who also serves as Chair of the Transportation Subcommittee.
Treasurer Lillard emphasized the importance of Public School Construction and Maintenance funding in ensuring safe and effective learning environments across the state.
“Ensuring that Tennessee students learn in safe, modern, and well-maintained facilities is a priority we all share,” Treasurer Lillard said. “These funds help local school systems address real needs, and I’m grateful to our partners across the state who work every day to support Tennessee’s children.”
