KARNS CITY — Architects have presented design proposals for a future high school renovation project to Karns City Area School District’s board, a big step toward long-discussed plans.

The large scale grounds project, presented Monday, April 13, by Hayes Design Group, includes updates around Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School and its property, such as work on classrooms and learning spaces, improved athletic facilities and significant heating and cooling improvements.

The proposed designs also include considerations for a new baseball field on school grounds, though doubt was cast on its feasibility.

The board and Hayes Design Group said if all goes well, a potential timeline could include four more months of design development, another four months of construction planning through the end of the year, a month or two for bidding and construction beginning next spring. With 24 months of construction and another three to four months of “close out” work, the district is looking at potential work occurring through the summers of 2027 to 2029.

The design proposals were informed by a series of surveys taken by teachers, faculty, department chairs, athletics employees and other key stakeholders since February. The surveys gathered information on needs and also things they would like to see included in the project, Rob Rensi and Matt Dawson of Hayes Design Group said.

The survey results presented Monday night highlighted needs including better HVAC and temperature controls; technology and power infrastructure, such as more outlets and smart boards; updated lighting; furniture; increased storage space; improved science and lab spaces; expansion of athletic facilities; additional gymnasium space; updated locker rooms; expansion of performing arts space and needed updates to maintain Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

There were several design proposals of note. One included additional meeting space, such as conference/meeting and “collaboration” rooms. Another would increase capacity in the main gymnasium to roughly 1,000 seats. The proposal would also include a new library and a new performing arts hub.

The design proposals would alter the outside area of the high school property. The building’s main entrance would be relocated, while dedicated parent and bus drop-off loops would be put in, as well as increased pedestrian access. Parking lots and parking entrances would also be slightly reconfigured.

The baseball field, which has also been discussed in recent years, is presented as being built in the southwest corner of the high school’s current property, but presenters with Hayes Design Group see issues with costs

“What’s shown here is what we think is the best option. Unfortunately, this work would require substantial clearing, substantial regrading, earthwork and excavating of soil to make it work. In addition to the construction of a large retaining wall,” Dawson said. “For that reason, it’s not necessarily financially advisable to do this.”

The board also approved an American Institute of Architects agreement with Hayes Design Group on Monday, a standardized legal document that outlines roles and responsibilities for the firm.

With the process still in early stages, school officials said they have yet to determine what the finances of such a project could look like.

Superintendent Eric Ritzert said a special meeting in May would probably be scheduled for the next design presentation given by Hayes Design Group.

The school board first appointed Hayes Design Group, as well as Eckles Construction Services, to explore a future junior/senior high school renovation in December.