SPRING VALLEY — Spring Valley Elementary School Board approved the conceptual design of the new addition to John F. Kennedy School Wednesday night. They also agreed for the architects to begin the design and development phase.

The conceptual designs provide the general size and shape of the building, but the specifics still need to be developed. Those specifics such as structure design, heating and cooling, etc., will be decided in the design phase.

“We want to make the best use of the funds available to us,” Bill VanDusen of Allied Design of Springfield said.

The design's square footage was decreased for cost reasons, but that didn't affect any classroom or other necessary spaces. Engineers did provide some recommendations for consideration including a geothermal heating and cooling system, wet sprinkler system and LED light fixtures.

Structural engineer Bruce Bradley said they were considering a precast options for the structure, which would be more cost effective and is robust.

VanDuzen said the group would be back in July to provide more details on design specifics. In the meantime, they will meet with employees to find out their needs such as cafeteria and IT.

In other business:

• The board approved transferring $60,000 from the working cash fund into the operations and maintenance fund to help pay of the district's portion of a maintenance grant.

• Recording secretary Cindy Vallero was recognized for her 15 years of service to the board.

• The district received a partial shipment of the windows for JFK. It also received the state's portion for their maintenance grant.

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