Consultant outlines 2627 building renovation plan to update science labs and repurpose space

Garrett Hamlin, a consultant from Tetra Tech, presented proposed renovations for the district's 2627 building and described a plan to standardize science infrastructure across classrooms to allow flexible lab and lecture use.

Hamlin said the design would provide common science infrastructure so rooms could be used interchangeably. "They're all three and a half all the same, science infrastructure," he said, adding that permanent walls and shared teacher storage areas would let staff reconfigure rooms for different grade levels. Chair (S4) introduced the presentation and facilitated board questions.

Board members and staff asked how displaced classrooms would be relocated and what the district would do with the existing library and AIS space. S2 (staff member) said the library—reconfigured in the 1990s for computer centers—could be repurposed and noted the AIS room is presently serving as a study hall; the renovation could create a new maker space adjacent to the art room or a weight room that community groups could use in the evenings.

S2 also raised infrastructure and safety concerns, saying the building's gas piping and other mechanical systems are aging and should be brought up to current standards; S2 said renovations would address those needs. Hamlin said site testing would determine the full extent of work required, and he offered to provide follow-up materials to the board.

The presentation ended with the board thanking Hamlin. No formal vote on capital funding was taken; the board indicated it will review testing results and reports before any decision on project scope or financing.