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Clayton board hears updated designs and $114 million schematic estimate for Phase 1 bond projects
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Summary
Design and construction teams told the Clayton School Board that schematic-design cost estimates for Phase 1 of the proposed Prop O bond are tracking near $114 million, with Glenridge driving the largest share; the board was also given a schedule for design development, construction documents and bidding if the April 7 bond is approved.
Design and construction teams updated the Clayton School Board on schematic designs and cost modeling for Prop O bond-funded projects on Feb. 19, saying the program’s current comprehensive estimate is tracking toward the lower end of the $110–$135 million planning range.
The presentation covered the largest Phase 1 project, a renovation and addition at Glenridge Elementary School, and two other bond-funded priorities: a 10,000-square-foot Career Technical Education (CTE) addition at Clayton High School and improvements to the Gayfield Athletic Complex. The construction-manager estimate shown to the board allocated about $74 million to Glenridge, roughly $17 million to the CHS CTE addition, and about $23 million to Gayfield, with the total program estimate cited at approximately $114,000,000. Presenters emphasized that these are schematic-design–level estimates and that subcontractor bids have not yet been solicited.
John, introduced by the board as a member of the design team, said schematic design for all projects is complete and that the next steps—design development and construction documents—will add detail on finishes, systems and specifications. The district’s construction manager noted that after construction documents are completed the documents will be turned back to BSI for updated cost comparisons and that guaranteed maximum prices (GMPs) would not be locked until bids are received, likely later in 2026 or early 2027.
The Glenridge segment drew particular attention: presenters displayed photos and renderings showing water infiltration, outdated HVAC, basement classroom conditions and a plan to reconfigure the building to move students out of the basement into more collaborative, daylighted spaces. The design team described the Glenridge work as a renovation plus addition that aims to keep architectural continuity while replacing end-of-life systems.
Board members asked about construction timelines and sequencing. The design team representative said Glenridge’s schedule includes a two-year window with an 18-month construction target plus margin for moves and transition. Board members and staff emphasized the need for further cost refinement during design development and noted that future bond-funded projects (Merrimack, Captain) will depend on debt reduction and district assessed valuation.
If the bond passes on April 7 as the district has scheduled informational events to support, the district will proceed through the design-development and construction-document phases, then solicit bids and finalize GMPs before beginning construction.
The design-team and construction-manager presentations and the budget breakdown were framed repeatedly as estimates that will be updated in later phases rather than final contract amounts.
