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Board hears $64M–$80M options to expand junior high capacity; architects outline trade-offs
Summary
Architects presented multi-option plans to address junior high overcrowding, with cost estimates ranging roughly $64 million to $80 million and capacity scenarios from about 1,120 to 1,260 students; board members and staff discussed site constraints, phasing and moving athletic fields off campus.
Architects and district staff presented a range of long-term options on June 17 to address capacity pressures at the Mahomet-Seymour junior high campus, laying out trade-offs between renovating existing space and building large additions.
"All of these options increase capacity at the junior high campus," the presenting architect said, describing sketches that ranged from a roughly $64 million renovation/addition to an $80 million option that would replace much of the existing building. The plans include scenarios with approximately 52,000 to 125,000 square feet of new construction in different phases and program configurations. Capacity estimates presented ranged from about 1,120 to 1,260 students depending on the option and room-use assumptions.
Architects and district staff emphasized four drivers of cost: how much existing building remains versus is demolished, the amount of new square footage, the scope of renovation (systems, HVAC, plumbing) and required site work. One architect summarized the planning assumptions: retaining more of the current building reduces demolition and renovation costs but limits new program space; replacing more building increases square footage and cost but yields more flexible, modern classrooms.
Board members asked for details about site impacts and athletics. The architects said every option would require moving the soccer field off the junior high campus because additions had to be built to the south and there would not be room for a track or for retaining the existing soccer footprint. The district acknowledged that shifting athletic fields could change transportation and practice logistics.
District finance and operations staff discussed phasing and ancillary costs. The presentation included a note that the annual bus-lease cost approved earlier is $514,000, reflecting an increase tied to accessible buses and other adjustments. Staff also said some system-replacement needs at Lincoln Trail and other buildings could be undertaken within package options.
Board members and building staff raised program-level concerns: cafeteria size and flow for larger student counts, preserving wrestling rooms and the two gym spaces used for physical education, and how to maintain PE, practice and community uses during multi-year construction. The architect outlined a series of phasing ideas — build a replacement gym first, move programs into new spaces, then demolish and renovate remaining wings — to avoid major disruption to instruction.
No formal vote was taken on a facilities plan at the meeting. Administrators asked the board to consider direction for next steps and to identify the level of detail they want returned to a March 2 study session for additional discussion.
What’s next: staff penciled March 2 as a date to return with further refinements and to discuss staffing and financial projections if the board wants to advance an option to the next planning level.
