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Sciences building, a project designed to expand learning opportunities for students across disciplines. The addition was recently discussed during a conversation with Mayor Kim Greaves and Head of School Dr. Kelly Ritchie. You can watch that video here.
As plans for the facility developed, Town and Academy leaders determined the building must also include an ICC 500–compliant storm shelter large enough to protect students assigned to that space. This realization led to a broader review of the Academy’s campus, revealing that although all buildings at the Academy were built to code at their time of construction, no buildings on campus met the ICC 500 storm shelter requirements within the newer code versions to ensure the protection of the entire student body.
Recognizing this gap, our Town Council/Board of Trustees unanimously decided that it is necessary to ensure all students are protected during severe weather. This decision prompted a special work session to review options for constructing a storm shelter-compliant building that could also meet an additional need for Westlake Academy.
Key Points from the Discussion
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Current Gym Limitations: The existing buildings do not meet ICC 500 storm shelter standards for the Academy’s student population. A temporary portable shelter can bring us into compliance with the Arts and Science addition in the short term, but a permanent solution is needed to protect all students.
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Student Growth Planning: A new shelter must be designed to serve the current enrollment of about 900 students, with flexibility to expand up to the charter cap of 1,450 students (though 1,250 is the preferred long-term target).
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Multi-Use Facility Options: Board members stressed that any new facility should provide more than single-purpose storm protection. Options include:
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A competition gymnasium with 1,200–1,500 seats, addressing current overuse of the multipurpose hall for both PE and meals.
- An auditorium suitable for full-school assemblies.
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A cafeteria/storm shelter hybrid, which also addresses current overuse of the multipurpose hall for both PE and meals.
Financial Strategy & Projections
The Town of Westlake’s current debt stands at $51.9 million, largely from certificates of obligation tied to prior construction of the Academy. Annual debt service is about $4.75 million, with bonds beginning to mature in the early 2030s. The Town holds a AAA bond rating and maintains a strong cash reserve, and the Board emphasized caution in future spending to ensure balances remain healthy.
Financial advisors outlined several potential funding scenarios:
- $22 million project (50% cash, 50% debt) with annual debt service of about $670,000.
- $17 million project (50/50 cash and debt) with debt service of $518,000.
- $12 million project (50/50 split) with debt service of $366,000.
Revenue growth assumptions remain conservative, with sales tax considered too volatile to fund long-term debt. Property tax increases are expected beginning in 2029–2030 as development continues on the Town’s west side.
Project Options & Cost Analysis
Architectural firm BRW presented early cost estimates for potential facilities:
- 1,500-seat competition gym: $24 million (construction only).
- 1,200-seat competition gym: $20 million.
- Cafeteria/storm shelter hybrid: $12 million for a one-story, 1,200-capacity ICC 500–compliant facility.
- Standalone storm shelter: Lower cost but less functional for everyday use.
Next Steps
The Board directed staff to engage BRW Architects to study three specific options formally:
- An ICC 500–compliant cafeteria (1,200 capacity).
- A competition gym (1,200 capacity).
- A standalone storm shelter.
Detailed program and cost comparisons will be presented at a future Board meeting, where timelines and funding strategies will also be clarified.
In the meantime, the Academy will continue to maintain compliance with safety codes as the Arts & Sciences expansion moves forward. The Board also stressed the importance of ongoing advocacy with state legislators to secure support for teacher pay and funding stability.
A stronger Academy makes for a stronger Westlake. Together, we will continue to work hand in hand to ensure the success of both.
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