During the March Governing Board Meeting, the board heard updates about bond projects, enrollment updates, and Maxine O. Bush School staffing allocations
Maxine O. Bush Future Ready Academy
Campus Remodel
DLR has completed and delivered the Schematic Design Package along with the Design Concept Narrative, establishing the project’s overall vision and framework. Design Development is now underway in close collaboration with DLR, Concord General Contracting, and Roosevelt departmental teams to ensure alignment with the Innovative Principal’s vision. Furniture layouts have been finalized, and pricing quotes have been received to support procurement for the innovative learning environments. Concord has provided the initial construction schedule and mobilized resources onsite. The project continues to progress forward with coordinated planning, site discovery, and subcontractor bidding in motion.
This design presents a refreshed, community-facing identity for Bush Future Ready Academy. The exterior features a modern metal skin that gives the campus a bold, updated look while maintaining durability. A prominent architectural shade structure creates a welcoming and functional entry experience. The covered area provides protection from the elements while supporting gathering and circulation. Overall, the design reflects innovation, visibility, and a strong sense of place for students and families.
The layout is designed to promote collaboration and flexibility, with exploration studios positioned to support group learning and seamless transitions between spaces. The free-flowing arrangement encourages movement, visibility, and shared instructional opportunities. Circulation paths are intentionally designed to feel organic and connected rather than linear and rigid. The walking paths draw inspiration from historic canal systems engineered by the Hohokam people, symbolizing flow, connection, and cultivation. Overall, the design supports innovative teaching practices while honoring local history and place.
Staffing
The Future Ready Academy is preparing to open in August with 12 staff members:
Principal
Admin Assistant
FEEC Coordinator (Part-Time)
Unit Manager
2 CNS Assistants
3 Teachers
3 Student Teachers (Paid)
Bond Projects
Sunland Phase 2
This slide outlines the collaborative planning effort behind Sunland Phase II. Programming and initial layouts were developed with Grace Design and our Roosevelt technical teams to ensure the gymnasium, kitchen, and performance areas are efficiently sized and aligned with district standards and future-ready technology. The design maintains a strong emphasis on performance spaces while improving overall campus functionality. Construction will occur in two phases, allowing us to deliver the new competitive gymnasium (Phase 2A) early so it can temporarily support dining operations. Once the existing cafetorium is offline, Phase 2B will complete the separate cafeteria and dedicated performance spaces, providing a long-term, purpose-built solution for students and staff.
Irene Lopez
District Technical Experts and Grace Design have completed the project kickoff for the Irene Lopez rebuild. Will be moving forward with community engagement soon includiing staff workshops, student input sessions, and a neighborhood forum to gather feedback and help shape the overall design concept. The design team will translate stakeholder input into initial site and building concepts that meet educational specifications, safety priorities, and operational efficiency goals. The preferred concept will then be advanced into schematic design, with updated cost estimates to ensure alignment with available bond funding. Finally, the recommended design direction will be presented to Roosevelt School District leadership for feedback and authorization to proceed into the next phase of design.
Conchos Office Remodel
The finalized secure office concept for the Conchos campus remodel was shared with the board. The design establishes a clearly defined, secure vestibule that creates a single point of entry and directs all visitors through the administrative lobby before accessing the campus. Office functions have been reorganized to improve visibility, supervision, and adjacency between administration, student services, and the nurse suite. The layout also enhances operational efficiency while maintaining appropriate separation between public and staff-only areas. Proposals for architectural and JOC construction services are scheduled for Board approval in March, allowing the project to move forward promptly.
Playground Remodels
The proposed playground improvements for the Ed and Verna Pastor and Southwest campuses funded through the bond program were shown during the meeting. Proposals were provided by Dave Bang, Desert Recreation, and Exerplay, each offering concepts designed for students ages 5 to 12. The designs incorporate ADA accessibility, music components, imaginative play features, and a blend of traditional and modern hybrid playground structures with shaded areas for comfort and safety. Stakeholders have reviewed all three proposals to ensure the selected option aligns with campus needs, student engagement goals, and long-term durability. A formal request for Board approval is scheduled for consideration at the upcoming April meeting.
Enrollment Updates
Compared with this time last year, enrollment is down by about 450 students. There are 11 fewer students enrolled for 2026-27 than there were for the current school year, compared to February 2025.