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Board: Central School survey favors keeping pre-K–12 model; board OKs design procurement
Summary
A district survey of 707 stakeholders showed overwhelming support to retain Central School as a pre-K–12 campus; the board authorized advertising for architectural and engineering services and emphasized community involvement in design and phased construction planning.
Santa Rosa County School District officials told the school board on Nov. 18 that a community survey of 707 respondents strongly favors keeping Central School configured as a pre-K–12 campus rather than converting it to separate grade bands.
Assistant administrators explained the survey was open for three weeks to Central-area stakeholders and asked four questions about school structure and priorities. "Overwhelmingly, the community ... would like to see Central School remain pre-K through 12," an administrator said, noting respondents prioritized keeping siblings together, age-appropriate facilities and expanded academic offerings for grades 7–12.
Board members and staff discussed next steps for facilities planning. District staff said they will advertise and solicit architectural and engineering proposals to begin a multi-phase design process that seeks to remove portables, improve age-appropriate spaces and add athletic facilities where feasible. One administrator outlined a phasing approach to build a new wing where portables sit, move students into the new building, then remove older structures and proceed to later phases.
Members stressed community engagement: board members requested multiple opportunities for local input during schematic design and asked that the district continue to present zoning/assignment scenarios at a December workshop and bring a recommendation for final action in January. The board unanimously authorized solicitation of architectural and engineering professional services to move the planning process forward.
What happens next: the district will issue an advertisement for A/E services, evaluate proposals, select a firm and begin stakeholder design meetings; timing and scope will depend on available funds and phased planning.
