The El Campo Independent School District Board of Trustees voted Oct. 29 to approve a rough design for a new elementary campus and authorized district staff to solicit price proposals from the district's construction manager at risk.

Valerie, the presenter for the architecture team, said the approved design is an early-phase document intended to let the district obtain pricing from its construction manager-at-risk, Park Hill and Palacio Construction. The preliminary design shows a gym, administrative wing, classroom wings, a library with a higher-volume space, and options for Austin stone or less-expensive engineered masonry as exterior finishes. Presentation materials also showed multiple metal roof color options and several brick/stone accent choices.

Board members discussed capacity and layout. Staff said the design includes sufficient classroom capacity for projected growth (12 instructional classrooms per grade with additional flex rooms), three specials classrooms near the gym, and a gymnasium with bleacher seating described in the presentation as approximately 528 seats. The plan also preserves options for multiple pick-up and bus circulation points and leaves detailed parking layouts to be designed later.

Motion to approve the rough design was made by Mr. Dubrott and seconded by Mr. Ryan. The board approved the motion by voice vote; the motion "carries unanimously," and staff were authorized to proceed to pricing and bid solicitation.

Votes at a glance:
- Consent agenda (routine items): Motion to approve by Mr. Canel; second by Miss Smith. Motion carried unanimously; Mr. Dortic was not in attendance.
- Rough elementary design: Motion to approve by Mr. Dubrott; second by Mr. Ryan. Motion carries unanimously.

Board members on the facilities committee were reminded of a follow-up meeting (Nov. 20) to review design progress; staff said additional public and committee review will occur as documents are developed for bidding.