Dear GLOBE community,
We have made great strides in the acquisition of the enduring home for GLOBE’s kindergarten through fifth grades. As we kick off a new school year, we want to brief you on how things are moving along.
First, we are currently in the due diligence period of the property purchase and expect to close on the property in Q4 2023 or Q1 2024. At that point, we will be able to begin renovation of the existing buildings and construction of modular classrooms. We hope to transition to the new campus starting in January 2025. We realize this is one semester later than originally planned, but we are optimistic that this timing will hold and look forward to firming up the construction timeline in the months ahead.
Below are some details on the progress we’ve made over the summer break.
Design: The schematic design process is complete and will be reviewed by the board at our August meeting. These drawings help determine “what goes where” and set the stage for more detailed design elements, like materials and the look and feel of the space.
Construction RFPs: We have written requests for proposals for a general contractor to lead the construction and a modular company to equip us with the necessary modular classrooms. The modular RFP has been posted for public bid, and the general contractor RFP will be posted once construction documents are ready this October.
Traffic Study: We have completed a traffic study that provides recommendations for traffic flow approaching and leaving the campus and options for carpool queueing. The study also includes options for alleviating traffic pain points on Azalea Circle and provides data for us to reference when considering schools start and end times.
Transportation: The Facilities and Transportation Committee, in conjunction with board and school leadership, has worked diligently to prepare a potential pilot transportation program. Specific details and options will be discussed at our August board meeting.
Financing: Our team continues to move forward with securing the financing necessary to close on the property and begin construction and renovation of the new campus. Last month, the Decide DeKalb Development Authority voted to assist GLOBE and serve as a conduit issuer as we continue our path toward securing tax-exempt bond financing, and we are happy to report that we are on track for a successful financing and close of the property.
To hear the latest on the future home of GLOBE’s kindergarten through fifth grades, please feel welcome to attend our board meetings, all of which are open to the public; we will also continue to send updates via email.
The next board meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on August 28 at Upper Campus; an option to watch via Zoom will also be available.
Sincerely,
Drew Reynolds
Chair, Board of Directors
Lillian Norton
Vice Chair, Board of Directors