Board leans to Option 1 for high‑school performing‑arts addition while preserving classroom flexibility

The Richland‑Bean Blossom C S C school board weighed two design packages for Phase 2 facilities work Tuesday, with several members expressing a preference for the option that adds new performing‑arts space at the high school while preserving the ability to convert areas to classrooms later.

Misha, the architect presenting designs, described Option 1 as a new addition providing dedicated square footage for choir, ensemble and instrument storage and heavy renovations to existing band and choir spaces; the scheme would require site reconfiguration and the removal of roughly 26 parking spaces. Option 2 would mix performing‑arts improvements with lab space by reusing some existing rooms and modestly expanding other areas. Misha said the primary technical difference is whether biomedical labs are built as new square footage or accommodated through renovation.

Board members discussed tradeoffs between construction sequencing and operational disruption. “I kinda like option 1 the best because it gives us flexibility for the future with that choir area,” one member said, noting that purpose‑built space can later be repurposed as classrooms if external partnerships change. Consultants cautioned that cost estimates are approximate and could shift as schematic design proceeds; one adviser noted the two options were only about 5% apart in the current pricing.

Administrators and principals emphasized program needs as a key input. Staff said they provided enrollment projections and asked Misha to estimate classroom needs through school year 3435; several board members said principals’ judgments about special education, Title I and other program requirements should carry weight in deciding scope.

Other site issues discussed included a proposed new mezzanine for practice and storage, a suggestion to add a stage door to improve backstage flow, and concerns about student movement if Edge Media is relocated. Misha said the team has authorized the topographic survey and that, once the survey and engineering work are complete, the project can move into schematic design and drainage approvals.

The board did not take a formal vote; members directed staff to continue refining designs and cost estimates and to coordinate memoranda of understanding with partner organizations for lab programming. The work session adjourned with instruction to return for further direction during the design‑development phase.