The current 34,726 square feet school does not meet Americans With Disabilities Act standards. The officials have stated that it is not viable to remodel the school. Arkansas-based MAHG Architecture will serve as the project architect and Nabholz Construction Services is appointed as construction manager.
The Van Buren School District plans to build a $10 million to $11 million, 81,600 square feet, 550-student replacement school in January or February 2010. Construction is lsated for completion by August 2011. The new school will be designed to attain LEED Silver certification.
The new facility will feature more classrooms, a gym for physical activity, facilities for preschool, and professional development training facilities for the teachers. More parking spaces, a room for parent involvement, space dedicated to art and music, and safe rooms are some other features of the new facility. The old school area will be converted as a playground, once the new facility is complete.
About 50% of the construction cost will be covered by state partnership funds, and the other half through local tax revenues.
