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Board leans toward Option 1 for new Neighborhood J and K elementary campuses
Summary
Architects presented two site layouts for Neighborhood J and K; the board indicated consensus for Option 1 to keep fields contiguous, allow clearer circulation and begin geotechnical work, with Neighborhood J targeting construction in mid-2025 and a ~$60 million all-in budget estimate.
Architects from Nichols, Melberg & Roseto presented two site-layout options for the new Neighborhood J and K elementary schools, and the Lammersville Joint Unified School District board signaled a clear preference for Option 1, which clusters athletic fields and provides a more direct parking and drop-off configuration.
Wes King, the lead architect, said the Neighborhood J site is about 16 acres and the buildings are being designed for roughly 900 students, including 31 general classrooms and dedicated spaces for music, science and special education. "The buildings are gonna be designed for 900 students on these campuses," King said, and he told the board initial site work could begin "as early as May of next year." He also noted that solar installations and battery backup will be required to comply with current code.
Board members who weighed the two options favored Option 1 for its contiguous field layout and fewer circulation bottlenecks. One trustee said Option 1 "looks better because the fields are all together, and you've got more space for sports." District staff and the architects flagged trade-offs: Option 2 provides a different quad geometry but separates some fields, which could complicate yard duty and supervision.
Dr. Nicholas, the superintendent, framed the timeline and budget context: earlier elementary construction in the district cost about $34 million ($37 million including soft costs), while the current project budget for a similarly sized campus is presented as about $60 million all-in. He cautioned that state funding (Proposition 2 on the ballot next month) could influence the final funding mix for K and other projects.
The board’s preference for Option 1 lets staff proceed with geotechnical investigations and next-phase design for both campuses. For Neighborhood J, staff said they plan to start contractor procurement and bid activities so that construction can begin in spring or early summer 2025, with a target opening in 2026.
