Board approves drawings and bidding authorization for Boulevard Academy renovation

Edmond Public Schools on July 10 approved architectural drawings for the Boulevard Academy project and authorized staff to begin the bidding process for construction.

Administrators said the design work has proceeded for about six months and the approved plans mirror the existing building where practicable; the drawings include first- and second-floor layouts and some enclosure of a walkway on the south side. Staff noted they tried to match existing brick and finishes while accommodating modern functional needs. Board members asked about entrances, gym access and whether the building is on any historic registry; staff said the building is not on a historic registry and that interior gym bleachers will not be changed.

A board member asked whether entrances and fire-code access had been considered; staff pointed out drop-off and parking locations and noted a district police car is commonly parked by the front door for short intervals. Construction scheduling discussed briefly and staff said, "As long as I don't hit something in the ground, we should be open by August of '26," a timeline provided at the meeting.

The board voted to approve the drawings and authorize the bidding process; the motion passed unanimously on roll-call votes. Members discussed matching materials and preserving the building's character where possible.