ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer’s Board of Education is moving forward with bids for the gym scoreboards this week. During their work session, the board had a chance to discuss some points and ask questions before the final vote this Thursday, March 17, 2022.

The board has been looking at replacing the gym scoreboards and had an opportunity to look at options in December 2021, but held off to further investigate the engineering aspects and needs of the High School’s gym. Now, bids are being looked at for the board and options for installation.

According to Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley, the board has been looking at four total video boards with one on each side of the court and a suspended, two-sided video board in the middle. However, that has changed this month as the board is not looking at another option which still has the middle two-sided board but with two smaller fixed-digit scoreboards on the side walls.

The board is also looking at shot clocks with illuminated backboards for the gym in these options. Both options were said to include the shot clock addition and illumination.

Both options are being considered with the final vote to see which option will be chosen at their regular Thursday meeting.

The middle two-sided video board will be suspended from the roof by a hoist, according to reports. The board was told that they would have to purchase a lift to reach the ceiling if they hadn’t gone with the hoisted option. With the cable system, maintenance will be able to let the board down for work when needed.

With additional incomes this year like the CARES Act funding alongside ESPLOST and other funds, the board and Director of Finance Trina Penland said that some special funds have relieved some pressure on the general fund this year, allowing for improvements to continue on projects like the scoreboards. ESPLOST projects also continue like the recently completed Clear Creek Elementary School and the still to come Performing/Fine Arts Center.