Superintendent shares $3.5 million-plus estimate for 105 Baughman conversion; board to form facilities task force
Loading...
Summary
Superintendent Ryan McClain reported rough cost estimates for renovating 105 Baughman to house an early learning center and said the district will form a facilities task force to guide master‑planning work with consultant Garmin Miller.
Superintendent Ryan McClain told the Big Walnut Local School Board Monday that early cost estimates for converting space at 105 Baughman into an early learning center (ELC) place the roofing work at “just under $500,000” and other renovations at a little over $3 million.
McClain said the district is studying whether to convert the south wing (the old sixth‑grade hallway) and that, if the board approves at a future time, work would be scheduled for the 2026–27 school year. He said he was not asking the board to vote on the project at Monday’s meeting.
As part of long‑range planning, McClain announced formation of a facilities task force that will include staff and community members; he asked trustees to suggest community candidates. He said the district hopes to hold the first meeting in April and that consultant Garmin Miller expects the master‑planning work to take about 12 months.
Why it matters: The decision would affect capital spending, building capacity and long‑term facility usage. McClain’s early estimates provide councilors and the public a preliminary fiscal picture ahead of formal planning and design work.
McClain said the $500,000 figure covers just the roof portion affecting the south wing and that the larger $3 million‑plus figure covers renovations confined to that half of the building. If the board ultimately decides to proceed, staff will return with more detailed cost estimates and timelines.
The board did not vote on the Baughman item Monday. McClain said the district will provide more detailed reports in coming weeks and will not seek construction money or a decision at this meeting.
