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School board approves phased demolition and renovation plan for high school, citing FEMA and bond funding
Summary
The Perryville school board voted to proceed with phased demolition of damaged high‑school sections (areas A–E; area G priced as second phase) while preserving and renovating Area F, citing FEMA reimbursement and a proposed $35 million bond. Board members debated timing and public messaging.
The Perryville R‑III School District board voted to move forward with a phased demolition and reconstruction plan for the high school, approving demolition of multiple wings and preserving Area F for renovation.
The motion, which passed by voice vote, directs staff to lock in pricing for demolition of buildings identified as Areas A, B, C, D and E, treat Area G as a second phase for later pricing, and proceed with renovation plans for Area F. Supporters of the motion argued the buildings slated for removal are uninhabitable and that early action preserves safety and helps secure FEMA reimbursements.
Why it matters: district officials and consultants said the project will rely on a combination of sources, including FEMA reimbursement and a proposed bond often referred to in public materials as the $35 million "prop kids" request. Project staff described a funding picture that could yield roughly $60 million–$65 million in combined funds depending on bid results and contingency decisions, with FEMA covering a large portion of eligible costs after insurance adjustments.
Project details and debate: the consulting team presented high/low per‑square‑foot construction ranges, a soft‑cost estimate that includes furniture, fixtures and equipment, and recommended a contingency (typically 3–5%). The presenter said, "we got potential total funds of 62,500,000 and the average construction value of about 61,600,000," indicating the team's midrange estimate for funding and construction cost.
Some board members warned of political risk and optics if demolition begins before voters approve a bond; others said leaving damaged, unusable buildings in place increases cost and safety risk. One board member said the district "can't have our kids in limbo for four or more years," arguing for timely action to restore instructional space.
Next steps: staff will finalize demolition pricing, file required 10‑day notices where applicable, coordinate shoring and utility work, and return with refined cost and schedule details once drawings and bid documents are developed. The board also agreed to provide clearer public materials for the upcoming bond vote and to treat Area G as a second phase for repricing and scheduling.
The motion passed; no specific timeline for construction start was set beyond the consultants' expectation to have more detailed drawings and cost estimates in the fall.
