Hoover board approves $60,000 contract for district facilities master planning

The Hoover City Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Oct. 7 to approve a $60,000 Phase 1B agreement with HPM to develop a facilities master plan for the district.

The agreement directs HPM to perform student data analysis and geocoding, capacity analysis, cost estimating for capital needs, internal stakeholder work sessions and a long‑term master plan that will recommend actions such as renovations, additions and new construction. Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Bob Lowry described the scope as work to “develop a long term master plan as far as regarding facilities, timelines, and strategies to help balance enrollment regarding demographic shifts.”

The contract was presented as a follow‑up to an earlier HPM engagement that produced preliminary population and birth‑rate projections. Dr. Lowry told the board the Phase 1B work will provide more granular demographic maps, building‑by‑building capacity assessments and cost magnitudes to guide investment decisions.

The board discussed stakeholder involvement and the value of internal planning sessions before the vote. A board member said the sessions “are gonna be huge” because local stakeholders have knowledge about land availability and school history that will inform HPM’s work.

Board members moved and seconded the motion; the vote was recorded as unanimous. The board president declared the HPM Phase 1B agreement approved.

The contract funds will come from the district’s planning budgets; the motion did not specify later implementation or construction funding, which would require separate approvals.

Board members and staff said the planning is intended to ensure facilities investments are targeted and sustainable.

Notes: HPM Phase 1B is a planning engagement; no construction contracts were authorized at the Oct. 7 meeting.