Board approves $73 million amendment for Jefferson High gym, pool and theater additions

Deputy Superintendent Tina Van Rapphorst and Director Phillips presented a project update and sought board approval of a second contract amendment with Vance Brown for Jefferson High School’s gym, pool and theater renovation/expansion.

Director Phillips reviewed renderings and programmatic changes: a 600–650 sq. ft. theater backstage addition, a pool with nine competition lanes and seating for roughly 144 spectators, a gymnasium sized for 1,100+ occupants and space for two regulation courts, all‑gender locker rooms and accessible features. The project design seeks energy‑efficiency measures and to reduce reliance on gas where possible.

The presenter described DSA (Division of the State Architect) permitting status and a phased permit approach (demo/abatement completed; build‑back review under DSA comments). Phillips said the schedule anticipates continued work through 2027 and warned that final punch‑list inspections may extend past the start of the school year. The amendment presented covers the next construction phase; the presenter summarized phase costs and stated a total program budget around $73,000,000. Trustees asked about sequencing to minimize school‑year disruptions and about summer work to enclose the building; staff described a plan to complete heavy site and enclosure work during summer windows while finishing interior items afterward.

Trustees moved, seconded and approved the contract amendment. Representatives from Vance Brown (Tim Stitt) and HKIT Architects (Sean Winchester) were present for questions.