Board sees schematic design for Dr. **** and Heidi Elkins Agricultural Science Complex; district plans arena, expanded stalls and trail access

The board received a schematic design briefing on Jan. 21 for the proposed Dr. **** and Heidi Elkins Agricultural Science Complex. The presentation, led by Lauren, outlined a two-structure plan: an academic building with classrooms and offices, plus a 600‑seat arena flanked by bleachers, connected walkways and a livestock barn with reconfigurable stalls.

Lauren said the design increases capacity for livestock compared with the district’s existing barn: pigs from approximately 44 stalls to 56, goats from about 36 to 52, and the plan adds eight steer stalls where none were previously identified. The barn and arena will have concrete floors with integrated drains to support maintenance and hosing; livestock pens will be reconfigurable to accommodate varying program needs year to year.

The schematic includes a large grazing area: Lauren said the existing grazing area is about 31,000 square feet and the proposed future grazing would be about 181,000 square feet. The academic and arena buildings are shown as 40,854 square feet combined, and the livestock barn at 17,942 square feet. The design also includes secure trailer parking behind a fenced area, multiple controlled access points for after‑hours student access, and a trail connection to the district’s adjacent facilities. Presenters said much of the grazing area will use floodplain acreage and that a pipe fence and grade considerations will be built into the plan.

Trustees and staff discussed seating capacity and parking for shows; presenters said 600 seats was a starting point selected after touring comparable facilities and that staff can provide further comparisons. The district’s project timeline calls for completion of construction documents and solicitation of proposals in spring, with construction completion anticipated in fall 2026.

Why it matters: The complex would expand hands‑on agricultural opportunities (including livestock species beyond goats and pigs), provide a local arena suitable for school shows and potentially regional events, and create a secured facility for student projects and after-hours animal care.

Next steps: Staff will continue development of construction documents, gather comparative data requested by trustees, and bring cost and timeline details to the board for approval and bidding.