Big Walnut to seek master facility cost estimates; small redistricting change proposed

Big Walnut Local School District staff told the board on June 16 they will seek cost and timeline estimates for additions to several elementary schools, continue several capital projects this summer and will notify a small group of future residents about a proposed boundary adjustment that staff said would affect zero current elementary students.

Superintendent-level staff said Garmin Miller is completing a master facility review for the district and will provide a prioritized list of repairs, additions and cost estimates in the coming weeks to help the board decide whether to build additions to Big Walnut Elementary and Souders or pursue other options. The district’s presentation said prior planning estimates suggested roughly $50,000 per new student capacity for additions, and that information will be updated with Garmin Miller’s detailed report.

What will be done this summer: Officials said several projects are already underway or contracted. A major generator project at General Rose Grama Elementary (GRE), the district’s fiber/phone hub, is under construction and expected to finish this summer. The board approved a paving contract with MO Bryant Paving LLC d/b/a Breck's Paving for Big Walnut Middle School and Highland Souders Elementary in the amount of $436,805. The board also approved a $121,219 agreement with Bluegrass Recreational Products LLC to replace mulch with a rubberized, ADA-accessible surface at Prairie Run Elementary’s playground.

105 Baughman and the early learning center: Board members discussed using part of the Baughman campus for an early learning center (ELC). Staff said the south wing conversion could be completed on about a one-year schedule and that the district will present roofing-repair quotes and Garmin Miller’s estimate before asking the board to approve renovation costs. The district expects to have roof- and capacity estimates to share at the July meeting and said it would prefer to present those numbers before asking the board for a vote on a final plan.

Small boundary adjustment and transportation efficiency: District staff proposed redrawing a small attendance boundary south of state Route 3637 so that new apartments and a handful of nearby houses would all be assigned to Big Walnut Elementary instead of splitting the complex between two elementary zones. The staff analysis, which the board said will be posted to the district website and mailed to affected residents, found the change would affect “zero kids that went to an elementary school this past year.” The district said the move would reduce duplication of bus runs and keep neighborhoods together.

Board timeline and next steps: Staff said they expect Garmin Miller’s facility report by July and will present cost estimates and prioritized projects for board discussion. The district plans to present roofing quotes for 105 Baughman at a future June agenda and, pending estimates, could open the proposed ELC at that site for the 2026–27 school year. The board approved the paving and playground contracts at the June 16 meeting; decisions about additions or ELC conversion will return to the board after staff presents firm cost estimates.