Carmel Clay Schools could soon expand its Educational Services Center, which houses the district’s administrative offices and is the location for school board meetings.
The school board is considering a $2 million project that would add approximately 3,000 square feet to the northeast side of the building at 5201 E. Main St. The improvements would also include upgrading the finishes in the existing part of the ESC to provide a seamless transition to the addition.
The expansion would add 13 offices and reconfigure others to move employees working in the same department closer to each other. It would provide more privacy for some employees currently working in cubicles.
“This will enable us to cluster (departments) together,” CCS Supt. Michael Beresford said. “We’ll be able to do some things, where right now we’re a little bit spread out, which I think will help with collaboration.”
Officials said the expansion is needed to provide adequate space for several positions created in recent years, including the director of student services, human resources coordinator, mental health coordinator and diversity, equity and inclusion officer.
CCS Assistant Supt. for Business Affairs Roger McMichael said the district could use proceeds from recently approved general obligation bonds to fund the project. He said the bonds could be sold at a premium, meaning the buyer will pay more than face value to receive a better interest rate. Interest rates are expected to be low enough that the premium can be generated while still keeping interest costs and annual payments below the boundaries set when the school board approved the bonds.
McMichael said CCS could also consider issuing another bond but that overhead costs would be more expensive.
CCS officials hope to complete the project by July 2022.
The school board is expected to vote on the expansion plan at its March 22 meeting.
