Board reviews North Stafford High performing-arts addition and renovation plans; architects to refine scope and costs

The board reviewed a conceptual design for a Performing Arts Wing at North Stafford High School that would add band and orchestra suites, improve practice and instrument storage, upgrade the auditorium control areas and undertake a heavy renovation of choral and drama support spaces.

Staff described the package as three components — an addition (new band/orchestra suite), light auditorium renovations and a deep renovation of chorus/drama spaces — and said the architects proposed a design that could fit within the board’s current CIP budget but that the number is tight. "This is our budget, right? ... it is a tight budget," a staff presenter said, and staff committed to identifying potential scope tradeoffs at 30/60/90% design milestones.

Phasing is a priority: staff said the intention is to open new space before beginning invasive work in older areas and to perform much renovation work during summers so the program is not overly disruptive to students and performances. Board members asked about access, staging and whether seats or deep finishes are included; staff said earlier auditorium investments lowered the immediate scope for some items and that final selections will be refined during design.

Staff said construction could begin as early as summer 2026 depending on permitting and funding timelines, and that more definitive cost estimates will follow the next design milestones. The board requested additional coordination with the school principal on scheduling and use of spaces during the multi-year phase.