Facilities Master Plan Update

Nov. 6, 2025

Dear Clayton Community,

As we continue bringing our Long-Range Facilities Master Plan to life, we are reminded that each stage of progress brings new opportunities for growth. Since sharing the plan in February, we have been working with leading architectural firms and construction managers to develop design concepts for modernizing our schools and athletic facilities. Throughout this process, we have listened, learned and adjusted along the way.

While our plans have evolved, our commitment has not. Our focus remains the same: creating modern, future-ready learning spaces and athletic facilities while honoring the trust our community has placed in us to be responsible stewards of local resources.

Goal 1: Elementary School Modernization (Led by Perkins & Will and Paragon Architecture)

Work is underway to develop plans to renovate our two oldest schools—Glenridge Elementary and Meramec Elementary—at their current sites. Given that these schools were built nearly a century ago, they have urgent needs that must be addressed to modernize aging infrastructure and better support student learning. As a result, we are focusing our efforts on these schools ahead of work at Captain Elementary.

About the Work: While Glenridge and Meramec’s historic front-facing exteriors will remain, the building interiors will be updated to enhance safety through the construction of storm shelters to protect students and staff. We are also prioritizing accessibility improvements, replacing aging infrastructure and designing flexible, future-ready spaces that encourage hands-on learning and collaboration.

In the event bond funding enables renovations to move forward at either school, temporary “swing space” will be needed to house students during construction. While no decisions have been made, the District is actively working with the City to identify suitable temporary locations that can support student learning throughout this process. Our goal is to minimize disruptions to instruction while modernizing our schools in the most cost-effective way possible.

Goal 2: Clayton High School Academic Spaces (Led by Perkins & Will and Paragon Architecture)

The design team is developing plans for a new academic addition at Clayton High School to advance future-ready learning and further strengthen the school community.

About the Work: The design team is developing plans for adding a new academic area at Clayton High School to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs including Geometry in Construction, AMPED (Algebra, Manufacturing and Engineering Design) and Robotics. The planned addition will connect to the back of CHS near Adzick Field, creating more space for interactive, real-world learning. In addition, the work at CHS will include upgrades to the auditorium to create a more accessible and inviting space for students and the community.

Goal 3: Athletic Facilities (Led by BLDD Architecture)

Recognizing that learning extends well beyond the classroom, we are exploring ways to modernize our athletic facilities. The scope of this work includes improvements at Gay Field, Adzick Field and Wydown Middle School. While earlier discussions explored relocating the football field and track adjacent to the CHS campus, the decision has been made to reinvest in the existing Gay Field site—strengthening our current assets and avoiding the added costs associated with relocation. These upgrades will help protect the community’s investment in these important facilities and ensure they continue to meet the needs of students and residents well into the future.

About the Work: Planned upgrades at Gay Field include new turf, renovated public restrooms and team locker rooms. We are also looking to improve the concession and gathering spaces to make the spectator area safer and more welcoming. At Adzick Field, we plan to complete the press box and dugout projects originally envisioned when the field was renovated. Lastly, at Wydown, we are exploring ways to upgrade the field to address drainage issues and the challenges of growing grass on top of a parking garage. While we recognize that this is a complex issue, our goal is to ensure that the space remains usable year round and continues to serve students and the community well.

Based on feedback from our recent community survey, we know there is strong support for expanding Career and Technical Education offerings at Clayton High School. We also know that community members want to better understand why renovated facilities are needed at the elementary level.

In response, we are inviting you to see these spaces for yourself! Rather than holding our previously planned Community Engagement Forum at CHS, we will host special tours of our two oldest schools—Glenridge and Meramec.

Save the date and join us!

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 18

Tour Times: 7 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

Locations:

• Glenridge Elementary School (7447 Wellington Way)
• Meramec Elementary School (400 S. Meramec Ave.)
  

Come walk the halls, visit classrooms and talk with staff about the challenges faced in these nearly century-old buildings. These tours are a chance to learn more, ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the District’s vision.

While final decisions have not been made, the Board of Education is considering placing a bond initiative on the April 2026 ballot. Based on our current debt levy, the District will fund these projects without increasing property taxes.

Clayton has a proud tradition of excellence, built on strong community support and a shared commitment to education. We are proud of where we have been and even more excited about the future. In this short video, you will hear from Marylen Mann, former school board member and Oasis founder, and Allie Rossini, Clayton Education Foundation vice president. They share why modernizing our schools is essential to maintaining excellence and creating learning environments that prepare students for the future.

Take a moment to watch and join us in imagining the next chapter of Clayton’s story.

We look forward to seeing you at our community tours and appreciate your continued engagement in this process.

Thank you,

Nisha

Nisha Patel, EdD

Superintendent

School District of Clayton