Brick by Brick

Welcome to the latest edition of Brick by Brick! We’re excited to use this recurring newsletter to share meaningful updates on our community’s bond projects. Count on us to provide this update every 3 weeks during the design phase of the project.

From progress milestones and upcoming work, to important details about how these efforts are shaping the future of our district, this newsletter reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency as we keep the community informed and connected as this work moves forward.

Most of all, we are deeply grateful to our taxpayers for their investment in our schools. Your trust and support make this work possible, and we take seriously our responsibility to use these resources wisely for the benefit of our entire community.

Please find current RFPs/Notice to Bidders for the track (bond project), stadium lighting (sinking fund project) and parking lot (sinking fund project) by clicking here: https://www.bronsonschools.org/o/bcs/page/rfp.

Bids are due on Wednesday, March 25th at 2:00 PM.

Dates of importance:

• Wednesday, March 25th @ 2:00 pm - Bid Opening in the Superintendent's Office at Chicago St. School
• TENTATIVE Construction Start Date - Monday, May 4th

We reviewed additional possibilities for site plans (parking lots, fire lanes, playgrounds, etc.) and talked about the most efficient and safest layouts that would fit in the scope of the budget and current property available.

We reviewed some more detailed options/layouts for the:

• Office - this space will be next to a secure entry vestibule and have improved visibility - both items will provide added safety
• Title I, EL, and Academic/Ancillary Support space
• Cafeteria - this space will be expanding a bit to accommodate additional students/multiple grade levels at lunch at the same time.

We also reviewed various options for exterior finishes for brick, paneling, and window systems.

We look forward to meeting with various staff members to discuss spaces/layouts to best meet the needs of our students, families, community, and staff.

A question we're starting to hear is, "When can we see the drawings/plans?". We know there is a lot of excitement to see the new drawings and plans, and we are just as eager to share them with you.

Our team is in the middle of the schematic design phase. Part of this phase involves carefully weighing every design concept against our bond budget to ensure the project remains fiscally responsible. Our goal is to share plans that are not only inspiring but also achievable.

To ensure the community has the most accurate information, we hope to release the layouts once we transition from the Schematic Design phase into Design Development. At that point, the plans will be more finalized and reflective of the actual build.

Thank you for your patience as we do the due diligence necessary to get this right for our community.

Based on input from the design team and staff, the following success factors and guiding principles have been developed to guide our work/decisions as they relate to this project:

• The building will be equipped with physical security measures, including controlled access, to maintain a safe environment for students and staff. External and internal supervision sightlines will drive the strategic placement of program spaces and influence the building layout. Building compartmentalization is important for maintaining secure areas of the building through a variety of uses throughout the day and evening.

• Blending of the new addition and existing facility is necessary to create a cohesive look and feel for the building. A consistent elementary education experience is desired for all. The unity created by the joining of Ryan Elementary students and Anderson Elementary students is a great opportunity for the future of Bronson Community Schools.

• The facility will focus on the needs of the students. The building will be welcoming and inviting and the environment will provide comfort and a nurturing, home-like setting that is familiar to students. Breaking down barriers to education will be at the center of all design decisions.

• The design needs to provide adequate storage space for necessary items as a way to eliminate clutter. The building program is structured in a way that educational spaces are intentionally provided. Wayfinding is clear for student navigation and easy orientation for visitors.

• This project is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Bronson Community. As such, it needs to honor and respect the significant contributions of the community in supporting the bond proposal. The level of investment requires the design solution to be flexible and agile enough to adjust to future educational needs. The final result needs to be transformational without being "over the top" or excessive. The facility will be a community asset that will reflect the great pride of being a Bronson Viking!

Please know this is still a work in progress and more information/pictures will be shared as it becomes available and as we move along through the process!

In addition to the meetings listed above, related to the track project:

• Schematic Design Meeting #4 (Elementary Building)

• Brick by Brick Newsletter