The Hamilton County Board of Education approved a contract with an architect for the Brainerd–Delwood renovation project, authorizing the design work to begin.

Board members asked whether the contract draft and conceptual renderings included athletic fields, track and baseball field upgrades. Administrators said the shared spaces—cafeteria and gym—were included in conceptual renderings and that depending on final design there might be additional work needed for the baseball field and track.

A motion to approve the architect contract passed by roll call. When asked about timing, administration said the design process typically averages about six months and construction would likely follow in summer, but no firm construction start date was given.

The board’s approval allows the design team to proceed with the development of final plans and clarifies that details such as athletic-field upgrades will be determined through the design process and later approvals.