Board approves $1.83 million renovation of Navarette Elementary media center as part of reimagination program

The Chandler Unified School District governing board on March 26 approved a $1,825,276.87 contract with Willman Construction for Navarette Elementary School’s media center renovation.

Mr. Dunn presented the project as part of the district’s reimagining initiative funded by the 2019 bond program. The renovations include interior demolition, new storefront doors and windows, ADA‑accessible bathroom upgrades, HVAC and fire‑safety system work, and finishes intended to create flexible, collaborative and inclusive spaces for career‑literacy and STEM instruction.

Mr. Dunn said the project is intended to support career‑literacy standards and provide hands‑on, project‑based learning opportunities. He described the scope in detail and said the contract complies with procurement rules (GPA contract 23‑15PV‑14).

Board discussion included a site tour reference: board members who had toured Connolly (a previously completed reimagination project) praised that renovation’s flexible spaces. Board member Kurt Rohrs noted sales tax on construction costs and suggested lobbying options to reduce that expense; administration replied that sales tax exemptions are limited by statute and that textbooks were the only clear exemption.

School board member comments acknowledged the project's cost and strategic role in competing with nearby charter schools. The motion to approve the Willman Construction contract passed 3–1, with one board member voting no.

District staff said project funds come from the 2019 bond program and that roughly $14 million remained uncommitted for bond projects and safety work. Administration offered to provide site tours for board members interested in visiting completed reimagination projects.

Construction procurement and contract award were presented as routine items returning to the board for contract approval, consistent with previous bond planning and board reports.