Bentonville Middle renovation: Phase 0 wraps up; phase 1 documents ready, storm‑shelter review next

Carrie, representing Ray (the project architect), told the board phase 0 work at Bentonville Middle School is substantially complete and the team is finalizing documents for phase 1.

Carrie said the phase 1 package will go through a third‑party storm‑shelter review before the district solicits a construction manager. The plan calls for an addition that includes an internal classroom within a storm shelter, a small front addition for an electrical room, and utility work that will extend to Spruce Hills Drive for a new water main and new storm piping.

Most renovation work is planned for the summer of 2026. Carrie described a schedule that uses summer breaks to complete mass demolition and disruptive work so that student safety and noise exposure are minimized during the school year. She said a mechanical room renovation will proceed through the project timeline and other areas will be phased so that signage and room renumbering can be implemented in coordination with building operations.

Carrie pointed out that some site work — new sidewalks, conduit from the transformer to the new electrical room, and storm piping — will occur around the building and may be visible to neighbors before the main construction begins. The project team plans to bring a construction manager on board to refine sequencing and communications once the documents are complete.

Board members asked about timing and logistics; the architect said schedules could shift once the construction manager is engaged and cited weather and other common construction risks as potential influences on sequencing.

The board packet contained site plans and diagrams illustrating the additions, phased renovation areas, and the locations of new utilities.