School district proposes ambitious 135 million campus expansion plan

In a recent Board of Education meeting, President Kalinowski and district officials outlined a comprehensive $135 million campus master plan aimed at addressing current capacity issues and preparing for future enrollment growth. The plan, which has been in development for over two years, is set to be presented to voters in November 2024.

The proposed project is divided into two phases. Phase 1 will focus on expanding the Early Learning Center, constructing a new building for grades K-2, refurbishing the high school technology hub, and improving the middle school football stadium. Additionally, a new transportation facility is planned, with land expected to be donated by a partner organization.

Phase 2 will address anticipated enrollment increases by expanding cafeteria space at the middle and high schools, creating a fine arts hub for grades 6-12, and replacing the current arts building with a new science hub, adding 17 classrooms to accommodate future student growth.

The district is actively seeking partnerships with local entities, including the city and New Albany Company, which have verbally committed to supporting the project through land and monetary donations. However, formal agreements are still in the works, pending legal processes.

Officials expressed optimism about the partnerships and the project's potential impact on the community, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving educational goals. The timeline for finalizing commitments is expected within the next two months, well ahead of the upcoming election. The Board is poised to take formal action on the plan, which aims to enhance educational facilities and ensure the district can meet the needs of its growing student population.