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Board hears plan to renovate Phoenix Academy and temporarily move programs to Bridal; staff explains why
Summary
Administrators proposed renovating Phoenix Academy (estimated $19.1M) and using the Bridal Building as temporary space for one year to avoid construction proximity issues for students with significant disabilities; board members pressed for details on outreach, timing and alternatives.
The proposal includes a major renovation of Phoenix Academy and a yearlong temporary relocation of some programs into the Bridal Building while work is completed. Administrators said the Phoenix facility currently lacks a functioning kitchen, adequate gym space and other infrastructure and that a full renovation would better meet students’ educational and dignity needs.
Staff explained they studied alternatives including doing a one-summer project at the existing Phoenix site, but specialists advised that proximity to construction and the scope of infrastructure changes made a multi-summer approach infeasible for students with high support needs. Mike Stock described site constraints and why the Firdell/Bridal relaunch was included in the sequencing; administrators expect to market the Firdell Building for sale and use proceeds to replenish reserves. The board asked for more detail about outreach to families of students in Phoenix, RAIL and ALC and for a clearer timeline showing moves and occupancy targets.
