Warren County Schools preview design, funding shortfall and timeline for new consolidated elementary

Warren County Schools leaders and their architects on Thursday evening presented final design concepts and an updated funding picture for a planned consolidated elementary school, saying permitting is expected this fall and construction could take 18–20 months from groundbreaking.

At a community engagement meeting, Board Member Sims reviewed the grant history that launched the project and the district’s current budget status. "We were granted $42,000,000 grant that we do not have to pay a dime back," Sims said, and she told the audience the county provided an initial required match of about $2,100,000. Sims said rising construction costs have created an unspecified funding gap and that county commissioners have proposed adding $7,000,000 to help close it.

The design team from Evoque walked attendees through floor plans and renderings for the roughly 103,000‑square‑foot facility, describing a layout organized into grade‑level "neighborhoods" around a central courtyard and multiple learning commons. "We think it's an amazing space," said Edwin of Evoque, who described the emphasis on natural light, outdoor access and durable, low‑maintenance materials. Vershae of Evoque said the plan keeps circulation short for younger students and locates the media center, gymnasium and cafeteria centrally for easy access.

Officials said the district has removed pre‑K classrooms from the main consolidated building for budget reasons and has approved housing pre‑K at Northside, where the district will upgrade classrooms and an entry to accommodate the program. "Our pre‑K unit has been approved to be at Northside," Dr. Montague Davis (Superintendent) told the meeting.

Attendees asked how the district will maintain the new facility. Dr. Carrington, the district’s chief operations officer, said the district will implement a facilities plan that includes regular inspections, cleaning and yard inspections, staff training for custodial and grounds personnel and an evaluation of contracting versus in‑house services to sustain upkeep. The architects said materials and roof design were chosen for durability and ease of maintenance.

On staffing and pay, Dr. Whitaker (Human Resources) said teacher salaries will follow the state schedule and that the district is working with county officials on a local supplement meant to help retain staff; board members at the meeting cited a current supplement figure of about $3,500. Dr. Whitaker said the district does not anticipate staff reductions tied to the consolidation and will place employees according to licensure and roles.

Transportation staff are reviewing routes and the transportation director told the district consolidating stops into one location should not increase student ride times and may reduce them because buses will no longer travel to multiple elementary‑school sites.

A project representative said design development is approximately two‑thirds complete, permitting will be submitted this fall and the team expects to break ground shortly afterward. "You should see movement on the site fall of this year," the project manager said; the team estimated construction would take about 18–20 months from the start date.

Board Chair Long and other board members closed the meeting thanking the design team and encouraging continued community engagement as the district seeks any additional funding needed to complete the project. The district said it will post presentation materials and FAQs for residents and invited the public to upcoming county commission meetings where additional funds may be discussed.