Johnston School Board Approves Proceeding With New High School

Another step in the process to build a new high school was cemented on Monday night.

The  approved a measure to proceed with a and relocate the eighth- and ninth-grade students to the current high school building.

"We are seeking the approval for more specific plans in the phase of the project," Superintendent Clay Guthmiller told the board.

The construction of the 325,000-square-foot high school is expected to cost about $72 to $75 million. The repurposing of the high school to house middle school students and the renovations needed to move students from Wallace Elementary to the current middle school is estimated between $18 and $21.5 million. The estimates do not include any renovations to the current Wallace building.

The projected timeline would have the new high school opening on July 15, 2015.

Students would encounter very little construction during the expansion work.

"We would build, then move students in," Guthmiller said of each transition.

Board member John Dutcher asked what exactly planning takes place with board approval of the measure.

"The board will be involved in the sale of this project," he said. "What's the key message points?"

Dutcher also asked how the programs might change by moving the high school to a more state-of-the art building and have new resources for middle school students at the existing high school.

Guthmiller said the administration wants to make there was a consensus behind the group.

"We want to engage staff," he said. "There is a lot more specific planning involved. We wanted to make sure it was on the record to move forward."

Guthmiller said administration would work to gather information on programing and resources available.

While the land for the new high school, which would be located near west of Northwest 100th Street and north of Northwest 62nd Avenue, has not been formally purchased, Guthmiller said the closing date and a few environmental factors were left.

The board also heard information about a traffic study to be done in the area.

The district will work with the city of Johnston to commission Foth Consultants to conduct the study. The study fees shall not exceed $24,600.

Guthmiller said several issues needed to be figured out, including how to proceed with the repurposing of Wallace Elementary.

That issue will be the focus of a later work session.

"It would be nice to have the elementary piece put together, but that's another piece and it will come," he said.

Financial information, including what a bond referendum would encompass, is expected to be discussed at the work session.

Public information meetings are also being scheduled for December, Guthmiller said.