On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Belpre City School District Board of Education formally approved a resolution completing the Design Development phase of the new 6-12 school project. With that approval, the district is now officially moving into the final phase of the design process: Construction Documents.
When we last shared an update, the project was entering Design Development - the phase where the big ideas established during Schematic Design begin to take shape in the details of the building. Over the last eight weeks, district administration has worked closely with Fanning Howey and Elford Construction to refine interior spaces, equipment needs and the day-to-day functionality of the new school.
A central part of that process has been hearing directly from the people who will use and care for the building. District faculty members, cooks and maintenance staff participated in a full-day meeting to review spaces and provide practical feedback. Their input has helped shape decisions ranging from classroom storage and power needs to the ways students and staff will move through and use shared spaces.
Draft rendering of the Life Skills classroom refined during Design Development.
In the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) area, teachers discussed large group work tables for project-based learning, additional countertop space for equipment, stationary demonstration areas, overhead power access and storage needs. In the media center, conversations included flexible book storage and power access at the learning stair so the space can support individual study, collaboration and instruction. Similar conversations and detail have happened for science classrooms, the music room and every other part of the building.
Draft rendering showing 6th grade, collaborative areas and the learning stair.
The district has also continued to review the building site and key systems. During the design review process, the team addressed items such as parent and bus circulation, accessible paths and parking, building materials, mechanical coordination and classroom sound control. This careful review helps ensure the final plans support safety, accessibility, maintainability and long-term use.
Draft site plan for the new 6-12 school project.
Energy efficiency remains an important part of this work as well. As part of the commissioning review, an energy model for the project generated an ENERGY STAR design score of 99. While actual performance will be measured after the building is completed and operating, the score reflects the project's goal of providing Belpre students and staff with a responsible and efficient learning environment.
Draft rendering of an extended learning area and classroom corridor.
The Construction Documents phase is where architects and engineers turn the developed design into detailed drawings and specifications that contractors will use to build the school. This work includes finalizing the many components needed for bidding and construction - from interior finishes, equipment and building systems to site and accessibility details.
The progress made during Design Development brings the district one important step closer to seeing this vision become a reality. We are grateful for the staff and community voices that continue to guide the work, and we look forward to sharing additional updates as the project moves through Construction Documents and toward construction.
So, when will we break ground? Assuming that everything continues to progress on schedule, we look forward to a ground breaking sometime in October or November 2026. We will announce details as we get closer to this important milestone.