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Board authorizes design work to convert former PDC to Community Day School; construction estimated ~ $3.5M, opening targeted fall 2026
Summary
Trustees approved an amendment to the architect contract to proceed with DSA design and drawings to convert the former Professional Development Center at 1730 E. Brookdale into a dedicated Community Day School facility. Staff estimated construction at roughly $3.5 million, a multi‑phase timeline and a potential fall 2026 opening; trustees asked about staffing, student capacity and funding sources.
The board approved Amendment No. 3 with Darden Architects (action recorded at the May 13 meeting) to perform design and DSA submittal work to convert a vacant former Professional Development Center (1730 E. Brookdale Ave., on the Chennith campus) into a new, dedicated Community Day School (CDS) and pupil‑services hub.
District staff and Dr. Charles Purle explained why the conversion is needed: the CDS program serves students with serious behavioral and attendance challenges and operates best in smaller, isolated classrooms with calm‑down rooms and specialized supports. Present conditions at the current Crookshank location require retrofitting; the former PDC building offers an opportunity to design spaces around CDS needs.
Scope and cost: Staff presented a scope for modernization including new flooring, lighting/electrical upgrades, casework, replacement of slatted windows, improved parking/access, secure fencing, an age‑appropriate outdoor play area, a garden and an outdoor learning shelter. District staff estimated construction and renovation costs at approximately $3.5 million (program estimate); the board approved the architectural amendment to advance design and DSA review. The timeline presented: plan development 3–4 months, DSA review 3–4 months, bidding 4–6 weeks, about five months of construction—targeting a fall 2026 opening.
Funding and oversight: Staff said multiple local modernization funds are possible sources, including Measure O proceeds and other district modernization budgets; final funding allocations will be confirmed when the project budget is finalized. Trustees asked for follow‑up on funding sources, staffing capacity and capital prioritization.
Implication: A purpose‑built CDS facility is intended to provide specialized educational programming, reduce classroom disruptions at comprehensive sites and give behavioral‑support staff an environment better tailored to students’ needs. The board’s approval moves the project into detailed design and state (DSA) review.
