Board hears schematic design for Kennedy Elementary addition to replace portables and add STEAM classroom

The Norman Public Schools Board received an informational presentation on schematic design plans for an addition to Kennedy Elementary that will consolidate five portable classrooms into a permanent wing and add a STEAM classroom plus additional restrooms and teacher facilities.

District staff and the design team described the project as being in the schematic design phase. Presenters said Kennedy currently uses three to five portable classrooms daily and that the proposed addition—sited adjacent to a 2019 storm shelter/music classroom addition—would create a unified wing to reduce student travel across campus and to house a district‑standard STEAM room required by the 2023 bond language.

Architects explained the design steps ahead: schematic design (current), design development (more detailed renderings and material choices) and construction documents before bidding. The team said it anticipates bidding the project in January 2026 and aims to begin construction in May 2026 (subject to change based on final schedules and permitting).

Board members asked about expected construction impacts, portable relocation and timeline precision. Presenters said the site has ample green space for temporary placement of portables during construction and that construction managers experienced with school projects would schedule disruptive work during evenings/weekends and coordinate closely with principals to minimize classroom interruptions. The design firm named on the presentation was Miller Tippins; the district said a construction manager will be identified before bidding.

The item was informational and will return to the board with more detailed design development documents at a future meeting.