CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield school board is holding off on a pair of votes concerning a proposed building project at Clearfield Area Elementary School.
In March it approved an agreement with HHSDR Inc. to serve as architects for the proposed renovation and addition project.
Monday night the board was asked for authorization of its administration and architect to prepare documents and solicit proposals for a geotechnical investigation, as well as to prepare construction bid documents.
Board President Greg Clarke heard a motion on the first request concerning preparations for a geotechnical investigation, but it was met with silence and it died for lack of second.
Clarke then sought a motion on the second request, which was the authorization for construction bid documents, and board member Jennifer Evans instead sought to table the matter.
Clarke said he wanted to first see if there was a motion for approval. Again, he was met with silence and the board unanimously made the decision to table the matter for now.
Both Evans and board member Mary Anne Jackson said the board desires more information on the building, project plans and financing options, and wants to make an “informed decision” that’s best for everyone.
Previously Superintendent Terry Struble explained both the reasoning and estimated costs for the proposed project, saying in recent years, the administration has realized there’s a need for additional space in certain areas of the building.
He said the school’s need for space isn’t due to increased student enrollment, but because student needs have increased and now require additional space for faculty and staff to best meet those needs.
Struble said the district wants to look at connecting two existing wings of the building, which would allow administrators to group certain student programming/services together and shorten student travel patterns.
Struble said there are also some logistic and safety issues that need addressed like keeping grades together instead of spread out; adding an adult restroom for visitors and a second elevator; and keeping visitors out of classroom areas.
Struble has estimated that the proposed renovation and addition project would be around $17.5 to $18.5 million, according to previously-published reports.
