West Bend board reviews Jackson schematic; McLean and Greentree work to start this summer

West Bend Joint School District No. 1 on May 27 heard a detailed schematic-design update for the new Jackson Elementary School and a construction schedule for McLean and Greentree elementary renovations, with architects and contractors outlining site layout, classroom planning, materials and near-term bidding plans.

The presentation, led by Katie LaCourte of EUA, described the Jackson design as orienting classroom wings to maximize daylight and views of a wetland north of the site, placing the library at the building’s center, and separating bus and parent traffic to improve safety. “Daylight very strongly links to student performance,” LaCourte said while explaining classroom placement and the decision to rotate classroom wings to admit more light into interior courtyards.

Superintendent Julie Wimmer and the design team said construction on Jackson is scheduled to begin in March 2026 with the school expected to open for the fall 2027 semester. The current schematic estimate is about $1.2 million over the prereferral referendum total; the presenters said that figure corresponds to two optional, flexible classrooms in the kindergarten–first-grade wing that the district asked be priced now for possible future use. “That cost is $1,200,000, roughly for those additions,” Wimmer said while noting district discussion is needed on whether to include that work now.

Design and program details - Grade configuration: kindergarten through fifth grade (K–5). - Typical classroom layout: three sections per older grade (second–fifth); K–1 wing is one story and located closest to the main entry. - Library: placed at the heart of the school with direct access to a secured outdoor learning courtyard and planned as an after-hours community amenity. - Flexibility: maker space and several collaboration areas sized to be convertible to full classrooms if enrollment requires it; a site notch was left for future infill. - Accessibility: an elevator is shown at the central stair (presenters located it behind the main stairs) and the team confirmed the design will meet ADA requirements. - Safety and storm shelter planning: no lower level/basement is planned; the district will “evaluate what spaces within the building we’re going to utilize as storm shelters” as design progresses, the presenter said.

Traffic and parking Architects described a parent drop-off lane designed to hold about 60 cars plus a passing lane, visitor parking of about 30 spaces, an overflow hard-surface area sized for about 90 cars (used for events), and a staff lot of roughly 70 spaces. Buses and staff will use a separate Spruce Street entry to keep bus circulation separate from parent queuing.

Materials and interiors The design team proposed a neutral, nature-inspired palette—buff (blonde) brick, gray metal panels and resin-infused wood accents—selected for durability and low maintenance. Interior designer Tanya Avelo described interior finishes that favor clear maple tones and neutral wall colors with color accents in designated activity spaces.

McLean and Greentree: summer work, bids and abatement Presenters said McLean and Greentree projects are further along: schematic design and plan review are complete and construction activity will begin this summer. The scope for Greentree includes a new secure main entry, restroom upgrades for ADA compliance, window replacement and eight classrooms in the southeastern portion of the building; McLean’s scope includes administrative reconfiguration, new restrooms at classrooms serving early childhood, lower-level restroom work and window replacements designed to replicate original 1938 muntin patterns.

Early bid packages and remediation work are underway. Findorff is managing bid distribution; the team said demolition and glazing/window scopes (and an early demolition/window package) have been bid and abatement quotes for asbestos and lead have been completed. The presenters named remediation contractors for upcoming work (Robinson and Integrity) and said window work has attracted competitive bidders. The team will award trade scopes in coming weeks.

Budget, procurement and cost-management The district said the Jackson schematic estimate is roughly $1.2 million above the prerefendum figure because it includes the two optional K–1 classrooms. The presenter for Findorff and district staff described standard cost-management practices: early procurement for long‑lead items, use of a diverse supplier network, exploring alternate local products to avoid material shortages, and staging work to match trade availability. The team also said estimates account for anticipated escalation and tariffs when appropriate and that some work may be scheduled later if market timing yields better pricing (for example, bleacher replacement).

Questions from board members focused on future expansion cost trade-offs, the advisability of building optional classrooms now versus adding them later, storm-shelter planning without a basement, parking adequacy and which building systems are being sized to allow economical future expansion. The presenters acknowledged trade-offs between present budget constraints and cost savings from building expansions now vs. later.

What’s next The design team said it will return later in the summer or fall with more refined design-development materials, 3‑D imagery and interior selections. Bidding for Jackson is expected in fall 2025 with contract awards in early 2026 and construction beginning in spring 2026. McLean and Greentree work will start this summer, with some site work scheduled for summer 2026.

Ending District staff asked the board to consider whether to fund the two optional K–1 classrooms now or to defer them; board discussion and a future decision were anticipated as design and budget detail are refined.