Parkway board approves purchase of former Raintree site for early childhood center

The Parkway C-2 Board of Education voted 7-0 Dec. 10 to approve a resolution to purchase 2100 South Mason Road in Town and Country — the former Raintree School — as a district early childhood center.

Board staff told members the property sits on about 10.75 acres and includes eight classrooms (seven with dedicated restrooms), a multipurpose room and cafeteria, and was built in 2013 with a 2017 addition. Carrie Nunn, presenting the financial summary, said the district—s purchase price is $4,300,000 and staff estimate roughly $1,800,000 in renovations to bring the building to Parkway standards, for a combined projected cost of about $6,100,000.

The board will fund the purchase and work from Prop S bond proceeds approved by voters in 2022. Staff said Prop S generated $250,000,000 and that $25,000,000 was allocated for an early childhood center; $1,200,000 of that allocation has already been spent on initial planning, leaving $23,800,000 available. After the proposed purchase and renovation costs, presenters said approximately $17,600,000 would remain for other early-childhood capital needs.

Jason Brooks summarized due diligence and a third-party facilities review, reporting the building—s structural and mechanical systems are "generally in good condition," while noting work the district expects to complete in the next one to two years, including HVAC automation, LED conversion, sprinkler work and adding ADA access to the lower floor (an elevator). Brooks estimated the near-term facility upgrades (excluding technology and kitchen work) would be under $2,000,000.

Board members asked how the new center would affect waiting lists and capacity. Dr. Thekner said opening depends on whether classrooms are configured as full- or half-day; staff approximated a half-day classroom could serve about 54 students, a full-day classroom about 18. The district estimates the South Area wait list could be reduced substantially — staff cited a potential up to roughly 75% reduction in the South Area, while noting it would not eliminate districtwide demand.

During discussion members asked about parking, outdoor-learning programming and whether the site was found via realtor outreach; staff said the opportunity arose when Raintree—s realtor contacted the district. Following questions, the motion to approve the attached resolution to purchase the property was called and passed by roll call; each member voted Yes.

The board—s formal action was limited to approving the resolution to purchase the property; staff said additional work remains to finalize renovation scopes, firm up exact classroom configurations and complete remaining due-diligence steps.