Board hears detailed update on campus master plan, site options and infrastructure constraints

Superintendent Michael Sawyers told the New Albany-Plain Local Board of Education on Feb. 24 that the district is advancing Phase 1 of a campus master plan that includes a new kindergarten-through-second-grade school, upgrades to athletic fields, a high school tech hub, and a combined transportation facility and Plain Township fire substation.

The update covered programmatic layouts, site options and regulatory hurdles. Sawyers said the district is weighing three field-locations: a 15-acre parcel donated by the New Albany Company (NACO), Bevelheimer Park owned by the city and parks district property adjacent to a proposed field house. "We do know based upon the property the city owns, it is possible to put at least 2 softball fields and 2 baseball fields," Sawyers said.

Why it matters: the facilities are tied to a multi-year build plan and to bond funding the district is pursuing. Site choice will affect schedule, required environmental reviews and cost.

Key details from the presentation

- Phase 1 components: new K'0 school (all-day kindergarten and grades 1'2), Wood Boulevard improvements, baseball and softball fields, high school tech hub (renovation of Building H), a middle-school stadium and a combined transportation facility/fire substation in partnership with Plain Township.

- Site options for athletic fields: (1) a…