Board approves schematic design for Carrboro Elementary replacement, design to proceed to bids and construction planning

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools board approved the schematic design for the Carrboro Elementary replacement project by a voice vote after a presentation by the project team. The board’s motion to approve was moved by Ronnie and seconded by Vicki; the chair called for the ayes and the motion carried with no opposed recorded in the transcript.

Project presenters said schematic design is a contractual milestone that gives the design team direction to proceed to design development and construction documents. The team — represented in the hearing by a project presenter and Catherine Peel, principal architect with LS3P Architects — described an L-shaped floor plan that keeps the existing school operational during construction, preserves as many trees as possible, locates a bus loop on the east and a parent loop and parking on the west, and places fenced play areas and a school garden at the rear of the site.

Peel highlighted features tailored to Carrboro Elementary’s dual-language program and neighborhood use: two small turf play areas intended for pickup soccer, ample bike racks for roughly 65 student bike riders, a gymatorium with a movable wall to expand evening event capacity, a media center and a second-floor classroom wing. She said the team reviewed the LEED and WELL rating systems and will pursue sustainability items within budget, including rainwater management and demolition waste recycling. On durability, presenters said specified metal panels have a powder-coated finish with roughly a 40-year service life and would be managed by routine maintenance and warranty processes.

Schedule and next steps: the schematic design has been submitted to the district; with board approval the team will move to design development and construction documents, finish those by year-end, begin permitting and bidding early next year and expect construction to start in summer (after students are out) with the target opening in fall 2028. Presenters said they will return to the board with pricing and cost-control options (noting they will work with the contractor "Clancy and Thais" to refine estimates and pursue a cost-at-risk model) prior to final construction authorization.

What’s next: staff and the project team will refine costs and return to the board with pricing details and a recommended procurement/contract approach before construction moves forward.