Stantec outlines 350,000‑sq‑ft West Area High School design, 2027 opening projected

Bill Bradley of Stantec presented the schematic design for the West Area High School on June 3, describing a roughly 99‑acre site, an athletic complex, and a 350,000‑square‑foot building organized to simplify circulation and allow clear lines of sight for security.

Bradley said the site places athletics in the northeast corner with consolidated parking, separate car and bus drop‑offs and a pedestrian parkway connecting the high, middle and elementary campuses. "It's 350,000 square feet," he said, and emphasized design choices to reduce wayfinding complexity and to keep public access and student traffic separated.

The firm walked the board through planned interior spaces—a library intended as a central gathering space, music and performing arts adjacent to an auditorium, multiple gyms and health/PE spaces, and a cafeteria designed to hold students before the school day begins. Bradley noted that the health suite will open directly to the outside to minimize exposure when a student is ill, a detail informed by post‑COVID planning.

Bradley described the exterior option selection process, saying the public was given three facade choices and voted on the preferred treatment. He said the design team prioritized natural light in courtyards and clear security vestibules where visitors are buzzed in and checked before reaching administration areas.

The Stantec team flagged an anticipated opening in 2027 and the board responded with appreciation for the visuals and site planning; board members said they looked forward to the upcoming ground‑breaking and public materials.

What’s next: Stantec will continue into detailed design and the district will hold follow‑up briefings; the board indicated interest in additional public engagement and a June 18 follow‑up date mentioned during the meeting.