Carlynton SD outlines $15M Carnegie renovation, plans production studio and accepts $218K HVAC low bid

During the superintendent report at the March 19 Carlynton School District board meeting, Dr. Craig reviewed multiple facility projects the district is preparing to advance.

Dr. Craig said two project initiation sheets from Draw Collective are on the agenda. The larger Carnegie project is currently scoped at about $15,000,000 to address structural needs and improve learning environments; he said the district is "refining the plan" and tentatively expects to issue bids in 2025, with construction possibly beginning in summer 2025. "It's not a commitment on the district's end to move and approve the project in itself," Dr. Craig said, stressing the initiation step is to finalize scope and prepare for bidding.

A separate project would convert the current shop at the junior/senior high into a production studio and Mac lab, estimated between $400,000 and $500,000. Dr. Craig said the addition would give students hands‑on experience in production, reporting and digital media and would serve multiple departments (English, art, world language) with scheduled instructional time as well as community access when not in use.

On procurement, Dr. Craig reported the low bid to condition the Carnegie Elementary gymnasium came from Climate Tech for $218,000; because a general contractor did not submit a combined bid, the district anticipates a change order for general contracting work (painting, brickwork) estimated at $30,000–$50,000, which would require separate board approval if submitted.

Dr. Craig said the district is evaluating capital improvement funds, bond financing and grant opportunities to cover project fees and costs. The superintendent described the projects as intended to improve instructional spaces and student opportunity; a public commenter later urged support specifically for the production lab, arguing it would give students a competitive advantage.

The transcript records the projects as agenda items and descriptions of the district's planned steps toward bidding and funding. Specific contract awards or construction approvals beyond the HVAC low bid are not recorded as final board actions in the meeting transcript.