Board approves schematic design for Pleasant View Elementary addition and renovations

The Pleasant Valley Community School District board approved the schematic design phase Tuesday for an addition and renovations at Pleasant View Elementary School, clearing the project to move into design development.

Anna Lukens, an architect with FRK, told the board the work is intended to add an administrative suite (principal, dean of students, conference room and secure main office), relocate and roughly double the size of the nurse’s office and renovate the cafeteria and one science classroom. "The addition will be mostly an administrative suite… with a new main reception area," Lukens said.

Construction approach and schedule: FRK described the project as phased so that interior renovations occur primarily during summer months while the addition and site work can proceed in other seasons. Staff said bidding is expected in November with construction beginning in early 2026; the firm presented a 17‑month construction schedule that anticipates some summer‑only interior work.

Cost estimate and alternates: the architect presented a preliminary cost opinion slightly above $3,000,000 and noted that price includes an alternate for replacing exterior corrugated metal with a more consistent finish to match recent district construction. The firm used an estimated figure of about $400 per square foot for the new addition in its early opinion and said the number will be refined in design development. Board members asked staff to include a contingency line item and the architects agreed they will present a separate contingency/allowance in later documents.

Site and program highlights: the plan reroutes the main public entrance to the parent drop‑off side, preserves bus circulation, and keeps playground access intact. The design calls for secure entry, a dedicated mother’s room and a properly sized changing room and fit‑out to serve level‑3 students, plus added storage and a new work/copier room. FRK said the state fire marshal has been engaged and so far has no concerns for the addition.

Board action: Motion by Director Kanwisher, second by Director Konkle, carried by roll call vote approving the Pleasant View schematic design. Staff will return with design‑development documents in August and final construction documents in October for board review.