Board approves $22.5 million High School athletics phase 1 plan, moves to schematic design

'The Long Range Facilities Planning Executive Committee recommendation for the High School Athletics phase 1 project was approved by the Stillwater Public Schools Board of Education on a unanimous vote.

Administration presented a schematic-level plan and a $22,500,000 budget for Phase 1. The project, as described to the board, includes demolition of the west (metal) gym; construction of a new multi‑sport training facility that would house a weight room, training/PT space, full-size court gym, locker rooms and coaches’ offices; construction of a dedicated wrestling facility with expanded practice area and locker rooms; renovation of an existing weight room into a cheer/pom practice space; conversion of the current wrestling facility into locker rooms for track, cross-country and soccer; renovation of the football/cheer facility into indoor batting/tunnel space for baseball and softball; and construction of a new multi‑sport artificial‑turf field to increase outdoor practice capacity.

Beau (staff member) said the plan had evolved from earlier versions because program needs have changed — notably growth in girls wrestling — and that the design team had tried to focus on multiple smaller projects that touch more students rather than a single, iconic building. He said the layout anticipates future expansion in several areas and includes alternates that could be added during bidding.

Board members asked how the plan affects other programs (for example, track, tennis, robotics and band) and whether the long-range plan would eventually move baseball and softball venues from off-site locations to campus; staff said those moves remain on a long-range list but are outside the current budget and scope. Several board members emphasized a preference for projects that benefit the most students rather than a single capstone structure.

Timeline and next steps: staff said they intend to move into schematic design now that the board has approved the recommendation, expect a schematic design presentation in October and target bidding in April with construction beginning in June 2026. Beau estimated the construction period for the Phase 1 package at about 14–18 months, with phased work and some renovations occurring sooner.

Budget and contracting: the board also approved an amendment to the district’s professional‑services order with 505 Architects to adjust professional fees based on the revised project cost estimate. The administration reported it had discussed financing with district finance staff and believed the $22.5 million budget is achievable with current bond proceeds and planned financing.

The board approved the Long Range Facilities Planning committee’s recommendation and the amendment to the architect services contract by roll-call vote.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Approve recommendation for High School Athletics phase 1 project with a $22,500,000 budget. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Motion: Approve amendment to SO-007 for professional services with 505 Architects for High School Athletics phase 1. Outcome: approved (unanimous).