Lindsey Krenz, an interior designer with Widseth, presented concept plans for a “safe and secure” entry addition at the elementary school and the Houston Public School District board voted to authorize a board member to present the plans to the city for concept approval.

Krenz said the addition would replace the existing vestibule on the school’s west side with a secure vestibule that provides an exterior door into a monitored reception area and a locked interior vestibule door controlling access to the learning commons. “This is a safe and secure entry addition to the existing building,” Krenz said. Architect Carl Larson, also with Widseth, said the exterior will try to match the school’s existing masonry and brick banding to preserve historical character. “We are going to be matching the existing … masonry on the exterior,” Larson said.

The architects presented a concept-level project budget that breaks costs into construction divisions and soft costs. Krenz told the board the construction estimate is about $488 per square foot and currently includes a roughly 15% contingency that the team expects could be reduced after geotechnical testing. The presenters said they had conducted soil borings earlier in the week and were awaiting the testing report to refine footing and foundation work; final project totals and bids remain preliminary.

Board members asked detailed operational and safety questions. One member raised concerns about an underground stormwater vault near the proposed addition and a water line serving the sprinkler system; the presenters said they were trying to avoid disturbing soils adjacent to that vault. Members also pressed how the change would affect circulation during sporting events and school musicals if the main entrance were taken out of general public flow. Krenz described two concepts: an open transaction desk for quick check-ins and an alternate with a separating wall and door that would provide additional separation between the reception area and the student learning commons.

The design team described access control options: two controlled doors with the potential for a third, programmable electronic locks and fob access, and on-site cameras. “Typically, this exterior door would be open. However, the interior vestibule door would be locked,” Krenz said, noting districts vary on exterior-door policies.

After discussion the board voted on a motion that “we empower Mary to go present the plans to the city of Houston.” The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote; board members recorded ayes and no opposition was stated in the meeting.

Next steps, as discussed by the board, are for the designated board member to present the concept to the city for the required concept review. The board said it will return to discuss budget and funding options, including state funding requirements and finance committee follow-up, once the city concept review and refined estimates are available.