Avonworth expansion

&emsp;&emsp;The Avonworth School Board approved a motion Feb. 15 to enter into an agreement with IKM Architecture for the renovation of the district's elementary, middle and high school buildings/ campuses. &emsp;&emsp;During its Feb. 8 work session, the board discussed what the renovations might entail and what the outlook would be for the district and its citizens in the coming months and years. &emsp;&emsp;Superintendent Thomas Ralston expressed urgency, citing congestion due to the increase in the number of students enrolling in the schools. &emsp;&emsp;"We won't make it space-wise within the next five years," Ralston said. "Grades 7-12 are going to reach capacity within the coming year."&emsp;&emsp;The board described the future project to be a moving target in terms of the total cost — as it moves along, the board will determine what is necessary to have renovated/built. Stewart said the goal is to begin the renovations by May or June of 2022.&emsp;&emsp;"We have a long way to go from a budget analysis before anything is approved or costs are broken down," he said. &emsp;&emsp;The board did acknowledge the project could see an increase in taxes for Avonworth, so as to not go over the district's yearly budget and negatively affect its credit rating. &emsp;&emsp;IKM is expected to make a presentation at the board's meeting on March 1.