Owensboro Public Schools recently approved renovation projects at both Cravens and Sutton elementary schools. These projects are expected to bid out in November and will create more space and better functionality for the two schools.
The projects come as part of OPS’ District Facility Plan and are next on the list according to Interim Superintendent Matthew Constant. Though OPS is not yet sure what next year’s budget will look like, the funding for these construction projects have been earmarked in advance.
Sutton, which has had an overcrowding issue for the last few years, will see additional classroom space built as part of its construction project. Currently, Sutton is using two outdoor trailers for educational purposes.
“We’re hoping to replace [those] with classroom space because of the space need we have there,” Constant said.
The Cravens project will be slightly more complicated and is expected to last around 18 months. The Cravens project has been on OPS’ list for a long time, board members said.
OPS does not yet know if the Kentucky Department of Education will approve the funding for these projects, but Board Chair Dan Griffith said he was thrilled about the prospects of both.
“I’m thrilled about the Cravens project, but I’m equally thrilled about the Sutton project,” he said. “It’s always been a concern of mine, having that building outside the main building. I hope we don’t get held up.”
Director of Maintenance & Technology Chris Bozarth said he believed both construction projects could be completed simultaneously. At Sutton, the work won’t affect students because that project is more focused on building additional space, but Bozarth said Cravens would be unique in that the district has to figure out how to properly stage students in and out of the building safely as the project progresses.
“Our hope is, they might not be at exactly the same time, but it will be relatively simultaneous work,” he said. “There’s a lot of benefits by doing it this way. For the most part, we’ll work in conjunction.”
Constant commended Bozarth for working closely with Cravens staff in configuring particular needs regarding the floor plans and designs of the school.
Though bids are set to go out in November, the starting date for these projects will be largely weather-dependent.
