Hillcrest elementary on track for 2025 opening; building dried‑in and turned over by July 1 planned, school to remain 'Hillcrest'

Ken Crawford, the district executive director over support services and athletics, told board members the Hillcrest elementary construction project is advancing and remains on schedule for turnover to the district by July 1 so staff can move in before students arrive in 2025.

Crawford said the building envelope is closed (“the building is dried in”), carpet and millwork are installed in several wings, some interior finishes and painting are complete, asphalt is down and much of the exterior glass is in place. He reported permanent power has been connected to the building and several floors already have lighting in place. Crawford said carpet and furniture orders are being finalized with principal, special‑education and library staff; the district expects furniture installation shortly after July 8 to support staff move‑in in July and August.

The board previously decided to retain the Hillcrest name, school colors and mascot; Crawford said design tweaks were made to the logo and crest but the chosen brand remains. Crawford described programming and design features: a central courtyard with seating and a platform for small presentations, STEAM/teams labs overlooking the courtyard, large windows and vinyl graphics to mimic stained glass, teacher collaboration workspaces, a sizable media center (the district’s largest elementary media center), a gym with a dividing curtain to allow simultaneous use for lunch and PE, and four grade‑“houses” with Latin names (Terra, Aqua, Ignis, Ventus) and color themes.

On safety, Crawford described a masonry “shelter” space between every two classrooms accessible from either classroom and intended to be a secure interior shelter and storage area; exterior and classroom glazing will receive safety film per recently proposed state guidance but the final specification tied to House Bill 84 is not yet finalized. He said sliding glass doors and other glass surfaces will receive safety film after specifications are finalized.

Crawford also described cost decisions: Hillcrest was built “solar ready” after solar bids for that site came in nearly double similar recent projects; the district postponed a full solar install so panels can be added later if pricing improves. He said some masonry choices reduced costs compared with previously proposed metal paneling and actually produced multi‑million dollar savings on the building envelope scope.

Board members asked about open houses and ribbon‑cuttings; Crawford said the district will likely schedule celebratory events around August and may coordinate with back‑to‑school night. He also noted that smaller finishes — shelving depth in the media center, classroom film and furniture colors — are being finalized with school staff.

Crawford concluded that the building “looks amazing” and reiterated the target dates: turnover to the district by July 1, furniture arriving shortly after July 8, and the school opening in 2025.