Chandler Unified School District has plans to rebuild two elementary schools, both of which are nearly 60 years old and in need of upgrading.
Officials believe rebuilding Galveston and Hartford elementary schools would be less expensive than renovating them to fit modern educational needs.
The Board chose Orcutt | Winslow last month as the design firm for Galveston Elementary. The process will include significant staff, community and student input. Orcutt | Winslow’s $1.275M cost will be paid for with money from a 2019 bond. Total project cost is expected to exceed $23.6M.
Galveston currently has approximately 600 students, fewer than the 750 it was designed to accommodate. The new 67.5KSF school will also be planned for 750 students.
CUSD early student enrollments are declining, and the District expects that trend to continue. Officials blame the high cost of housing in the area making it difficult for young families to live there.
The District wants to repurpose a total of nine schools to increase attractiveness to parents. In addition to Galveston and Hartford, enhancements are being considered for Conley Elementary, Bologna, Hull, Frye, Navarette, San Marcos, Sanborn, and Shumway Leadership Academy. Five of the schools are operating at less than 50% capacity.
The Board has increased the District’s marketing budget and is seeking to draw students away from private and charter schools.
After Galveston’s work is complete, the District will focus on rebuilding Hartford, which will likely require a new bond election. (Source)
