Architect outlines Westoff Elementary storm-shelter addition; bids planned for early summer

Architects from Corgan Clark presented detailed plans for a storm-shelter addition at Westoff Elementary, a bond-funded project intended to increase safe capacity at an elementary site and provide classroom space. The design includes a four-classroom shelter with restrooms, storage and a collaboration area; an alternate bid would add two non-shelter classrooms.

Rick (representing Corgan Clark) explained site options and cost drivers, saying the chosen location avoids costly utility and storm-water work. He described an early capacity calculation that showed the shelter footprint could hold “almost 800 kids and staff,” which allowed the design team to keep the shelter footprint smaller and reduce costs. The team also noted that the connected corridor would be a light-filled, minimal-intrusion connection and that the design preserves much of the existing building fabric to limit cost and disruption.

Project schedule in the presentation calls for construction documents to be completed, bids to be issued on June 3, bid returns in early July and a staff recommendation at the July 16 board meeting. Project stakeholders also flagged a demographic study (coming to the board in May) that will inform whether the alternate classroom bid is necessary based on local enrollment trends.

No action was requested at this meeting; staff sought questions and noted the board will be asked to approve a contractor after bids are returned.

Next steps: Staff will publish the bid package June 3, gather bids in early July, and plan a July 16 recommendation to the board.