Representatives of TCF Architecture talked to the Aberdeen School Board on Tuesday about their ongoing consultation work to determine whether plans for construction on various campuses are viable.
This data collection will help the district determine “what’s right for the neighborhood, community and school,” said Brian Fitzgerald of the Tacoma-based TCF.
The district intends to present voters with a bond request for construction projects, but hasn’t yet set a date for introducing such a proposal.
TCF will complete its survey and research near the end of this year. Such data collection is necessary before the process can advance, Fitzgerald said.
“The survey is absolutely the best way to start,” said Board President Sandra Bielski.
Among projects the district is considering would be to replace Stevens Elementary School, which would be reconfigured from a campus for students in kindergarten through sixth grade to K-5. The new school would be constructed on the campus property. The existing campus would be demolished, with parking and play areas sited in that location.
Miller Junior High School also would be reconfigured to house students in grades six through eight — instead of seventh and eighth — and receive various additions and updates.
Other locations where construction is proposed:
* Robert Gray Elementary School would receive three new kindergarten rooms and a lobby improvement.
* AJ West Elementary School would add four classrooms to replace portables now on the campus as well as receive a new gym and covered play area.
* Aberdeen High School would receive a new weight room and remodel the existing weight room for aerobics and wrestling.
“It looks like a giant wish list,” said Board member Jamie Walsh.
She asked that information brought to the district and board be broken down enough for the board to be able to make cuts, if necessary.
The contractor also offered to take district officials on a tour of other area school campuses they have been involved with constructing or improving after Board member Christi Boora asked whether such an outing would be possible.
This upcoming bond proposal was one of the reasons cited by board members this summer when they were asked to approve a $43 million budget with a slight deficit.
Overall district enrollment is higher than last year and well above the projected number so far. The latest figure was 3,136 — 26 more students than anticipated in the 2016-17 budget.
“We like it when there are more students than expected,” said Superintendent Tom Opstad.
He said based on past school years, the number of students attending schools in the district could continue to rise next month, then finally level off.
The next school board meeting will be on Oct. 4 at 5 p.m.