Board hears progress report on 2022 and 2024 referendum projects; several community sessions set

District facilities staff gave a detailed update on projects funded by the 2022 and 2024 referendums, including construction schedules, outstanding design work and public engagement plans.

On the 2022 referendum, staff said several playground projects are complete and the West renovation and stadium work are progressing toward late‑2024/2025 milestones. They flagged a specific delay: speed/safety driver indicator signs are behind schedule after the city’s unsuccessful bidding process and will not be fully installed until the start of the next school year. "That project will not be complete until the start of next school year," the presenter said.

For the 2024 referendum, staff outlined an initial Phase 1 set of four projects that need to begin immediately to meet student space needs tied to consolidation: expansions at Chapel Elementary and Doty Elementary, construction of the new Westside Elementary, and renovations at Washington Middle School (including partial roof replacement). Staff said contracts for design and early construction planning are being finalized and aim for construction starts in 2025 with completion prior to the 2026 school year.

Staff listed community input sessions to collect local feedback on project scope: Doty on Nov. 18 at 6 p.m., Chapel on Nov. 19 at 6 p.m., and Westside on Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. The board also discussed user groups for design work—teachers, special education staff, facility technicians, administrators and community partners were named as participants.

Board members asked for follow-up on whether West High School events such as holiday concerts would be affected by auditorium lift work; staff said they would follow up with a schedule update. The district will return to the board with design contracts and a more detailed schedule as each project advances.