Norris board reviews bond-linked campus master plan: bus barn relocation, circulation and parking changes proposed

Design consultants and administrators presented a master-plan concept tied to a potential bond measure that would reconfigure campus circulation, parking and bus storage to improve student safety and reduce traffic conflicts.

The plan proposes relocating the bus barn to the campus northwest corner, creating a secured transportation yard that would keep bus traffic off interior campus drives; adding a high-school parking area south of the high-school building and additional parking north of the track; separating dedicated drop-off/pick-up loops for elementary, middle and high schools; and creating green play space separated from parking.

Consultants said the new arrangement aims to remove bus/parent traffic conflicts, add stacking capacity for drop-off, and provide distinct pedestrian pathways with marked crosswalks. Board members discussed emergency access, whether to keep or gate certain loop connections, the number and placement of ADA stalls, and daily vs. event parking needs. One board member noted high-school students often transport younger siblings and asked how separation would affect families; the consultant suggested gated connections that could remain closed during school hours and opened for events.

Presenters said the overall site design changes had been refined to fit the project budget and that the grand total for the full site package was within about $75,000 of the current target after adjustments. Administrators said they will bring refined drawings to community town halls and will continue to solicit input before finalizing bond language for the May informational schedule and the May 12 vote timeline.

No binding action was taken on the master plan during the meeting; the board authorized further community outreach.