After review of schematic models and cost estimates, the board voted to approve schematic design for indoor multiuse practice facilities for West High, Liberty High and City High. Chief Operating Officer Kurt Pratt and the architect team presented exterior renderings, interior perspectives (turf surface and four running lanes) and a base model of support spaces (lobby, restrooms, storage).

Cost and schedule: Construction-cost estimates provided by a construction-management reviewer placed West and Liberty construction costs near $9.7M and total project budgets (including contingency and soft costs) of roughly $12M each; City High’s site constraints raised its budget to about $13.5M. City and West design work was scheduled to start in the coming fall with bidding next summer and construction beginning that fall; Liberty is approximately two years out.

Design questions and board direction: Directors questioned HVAC (architects recommended air conditioning as cost-neutral with heating for code and comfort), restroom configuration (board requested single-stall options to accommodate gender-neutral needs), exterior lighting (staff said timers and neighbor-sensitive controls will be used), and operating-cost estimates (estimated $75k–$200k per building depending on HVAC selection). The board asked staff to consider neighbor impacts and single-stall restrooms in further design steps.

Vote outcome: The motion to approve schematic design passed with all directors voting in favor. Staff will proceed to schematic design completion and later present detailed documents and budget adjustments during design development and bidding.

Attribution: COO Kurt Pratt and the architect team presented the models and cost estimates; directors asked clarifying questions about HVAC, restrooms and operating costs.