ENVISION 2030
Overview
Do Things Once And Do Them Right
BCSC Envision 2030 is a transformative, tax-rate neutral strategic plan designed to modernize Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation's schools to meet their evolving needs, including balancing school enrollment, reflecting 21st century learning environments, meeting academic demand, and optimizing district boundaries. These projects promise a brighter, more innovative future for students.
Long-range facility improvement plan
Phase 1 Overview
On Monday, March 4, 2024, BCSC shared an overview of Phase 1 for the facility improvements with school board members and the community.
Community Information Presentation
Due to facility update needs, curricular changes, workforce development adaptations, and geographic changes in enrollment, BCSC has several “limitations” that need to be solved over the next handful of years. BCSC provided input and feedback sessions to the community in September and October, 2023.
Progress and Updates
June 2026
Northside Middle School students and families will be welcomed by a relocated main office this fall. The new space improves visibility, strengthens safety and security, and brings student services into a more central location. Work is also continuing in the main gym and south classroom wing. The gym will feature a new floor, bleachers, equipment, wall padding and numerous windows that have been cut in high in the walls to allow daylight to penetrate the space.
May 2026
C4 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Administrators and community members celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony on the first phase of the C4 project at Columbus East High School.
April 2026
Design work at Taylorsville Elementary is complete! The project includes updates to all grade-level classrooms, featuring new furniture and enhanced instructional technology to support student learning. The main office will be relocated to the front of the building, creating a more secure and welcoming entry sequence. This change allows for a relocated media center, placing reading and literacy at the forefront as students and visitors enter the building.
March 2026
C4 Career Center at Columbus East
Construction of new C4 classrooms at Columbus East is complete. Director Gene Hack shows us what awaits students in 2026.
Smith Elementary
New classrooms and a special education area are already complete at Smith Elementary. Principal Casey Voelz gives us a tour of the new areas and next steps in the project.
Schmitt Elementary
Construction is nearing completion at Schmitt Elementary. Principal Kaity Day gives us a tour of the new Schmitt library and classrooms.
Maple Grove Elementary
The structure of the school is taking shape at Maple Grove Elementary. Principal Darin Sprong gives us a tour.
Northside Middle
Eighth-grade students moved into their new classrooms at Northside Middle School. Principal Evan Burton gives us a tour.
February 2026
Construction documents are almost complete! On site work will begin summer 2026 and will focus on improving acoustics, safety, and accessibility in the classroom wings of the building. All three classroom pods will have full-height walls to separate classrooms from commons areas, small group rooms, and hallways. New stairs and lifts will provide entry to each pod, providing accessible options for students and teachers.
December 2025
Construction will break ground this spring on a new 22,500-square-foot addition at Columbus East High School. The expansion will house the cosmetology, construction, welding, and agriculture sciences programs. Alongside ongoing renovations supporting the health sciences pathway, the project will create 17 new labs and classrooms to enhance students’ hands-on learning opportunities.
September 2025
Construction is complete at the Richard L. Johnson Early Education Center! A ribbon cutting event hosted by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce was held on August 27 to celebrate the culmination of the two-phase project. Superintendent Dr. Chad Phillips thanked the community for their support of the district’s youngest learners before the guests of honor – four children enrolled at Johnson – cut the ribbon.
July 2025
Phases 1-5 will be complete for the start of the 2025 school year. These areas include a new three-classroom addition, renovated existing classrooms, turf courtyard, renovated media center, and wellness offices. New instructional furniture is slated to be installed in completed areas later this month. The remaining three phases of work will update the two-story classroom wing, related arts rooms, and the cafeteria. Work is scheduled to be complete in August 2026.
Northside Middle and Smith Elementary
Construction leaders take you behind the scenes of the latest progress at Northside Middle School and Smith Elementary School.
Schmitt Elementary
Phases 1–3 are complete at Schmitt Elementary School.
Central, Johnson, and Columbus East
Progress updates on three key projects: Central Middle School, Johnson Early Education Center, and Columbus East High School.
May 2025
Höweler + Yoon revealed their design of the newest elementary school in the district. Named in honor of the original Maple Grove Elementary, which now serves as the BCSC Administration Building, the new school focuses on 21st century programming, providing flexible environments and student wellness spaces. High-quality STEM, music, and art instruction will be on display around a central media center, showcasing student problem solving and creativity.
On Tuesday, May 19, BCSC unveiled plans for its newest elementary, Maple Grove Elementary.
BCSC also revealed the name of this newest school after gathering feedback from the community.
April 2025
Heavy construction is ongoing at Schmitt Elementary. Phases 2 and 3 are progressing concurrently and should both be complete for the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The remaining five phases will continue through the summer of 2026.
Board presentation of project updates for April 2025.
March 2025
Project updates from Principal Darin Strong and Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations, Dr. Brett Boezeman.
January 2025
Smith Elementary offers unique design challenges with its colorful tubes and concrete walls. The school’s design team has worked with CSO to modernize the design of each of the classroom pods and improve visibility and wayfinding with the ribbed metal tubes.
November 2024
Board presentation of updates regarding L. Frances Smith Elementary, Northside Middle, and the new elementary school.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Brett Boezeman provides project updates for November 2024.
September 2024
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Brett Boezeman provides project updates for September 2024.
August 2024
Board presentation of updates regarding C4 program facilities, L. Frances Smith Elementary, and the new elementary school.
July 2024
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Brett Boezeman provides project updates for July 2024.
2024–2025 Projects
Looking ahead to 24-25, BCSC is excited to address the following building projects:
- Full renovations of Schmitt Elementary, Northside Middle School, and Smith Elementary
- Partial renovation to the Richard L. Johnson Early Learning Center to allow Bright Beginnings (infant–3 yrs) to relocate and expand
- Final completion of the Parkside Elementary renovation
- Design completion for Maple Grove Elementary school
- Minor improvements at McDowell Adult Education Center and Central Middle School
- Design improvements at Mt. Healthy Elementary
FAQs
Envision 2030 Frequently Asked Questions
- Our decisions today are planning for 10 years from now
- Ongoing investment in high-quality facilities
- We have the financial capacity to do so without increasing tax rates
- Projects would be presented over the next ~7 years
What are the needs?
School enrollment balance
Learn More
Enrollment within the district is expected to continue to shift from east to west. Student enrollment is already at or nearing capacity at schools which serve students who live in the western portion of the district’s boundaries. As part of the solution, community feedback has indicated the need to build a 12th elementary school to remedy the enrollment issue on the westside of Columbus.
Spaces reflecting 21st century learning environments
Learn More
Most of BCSC’s elementary schools were built in the 50’s and 60’s. Our newest building is Clifty Creek Elementary, built in 1983. Teaching and learning styles have changed tremendously since then. BCSC elementary schools and Northside Middle School are in need of renovations and updates to provide 21st century learning environments to the community’s children that enhances and encourages team based learning, exploration in STEM environments, and use of future-ready technology. All elementary schools (aside from Parkside and Schmitt which have projects underway) would see substantial improvements as a result of Envision 2030.
Meeting academic needs and demand
Learn More
At times, some BCSC students are limited with course offerings due to facility space constraints. For example, a welding course at North HS within the C4 program can only safely accommodate 50 students due to the size of the classroom and lab. More than 90 students indicate interest in this course each semester, so roughly 40 students must make another selection. Similar situations are present in other CTE (career and technical education) courses, athletic offerings (weights), and in some middle school elective classes. Improvements to North and East High School would remedy this issue, ensuring students who want specific course offerings are able to enroll without restriction due to available space.
Why is the work needed now?
BCSC believes 2024 is the appropriate time to address the issues for several reasons:
- Debt is expiring (financial opportunities are present)
- Work can be completed and keep the tax rate neutral
- Our decisions today plan for best case scenarios for students ten years from now
- Taking no action would risk some schools having significantly more students enrolled than the buildings can support
When will BCSC finish investing in facilities?
Never. With 2,000,000 square feet of buildings that average 50+ years old, it is the most responsible course of action to invest in these facilities. Failure to invest in this community resource would result in a much more significant cost in the future. Through regular investments in our school buildings, we avoid costly demolition and new construction costs.
Is a capital referendum necessary to complete these projects?
No, the school board and district have chosen to complete the work without pursuing a capital referendum.
Success Stories
Parkside Elementary
Project Overview
August 9, 2024
A Brief History
In July 2022, Parkside Elementary School announced the start of a nearly two-year renovation to its facilities and classrooms that will set students up for success with a state-of-the-art, collaborative learning environment. Learn more about what the renovations will bring to Parkside below.
A New STEM Lab
One of the most exciting aspects of the renovations is a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) lab that will enhance instruction and provide hands-on opportunities for learning. Just this year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that employment in STEM occupations is projected to grow 8.8% by 2028. At Parkside, we will take a proactive approach in preparing our students for future challenges and opportunities.
More Natural Light
Our modernization of the school’s classrooms will provide a learning environment for students consistent with the best practices in education. We know students perform better in environments with natural light, with one study this year from the California Energy Commission showing that classrooms with the most daylighting had a 20% better learning rate in math and 26% improved rate in reading compared to classrooms with little or no daylight.
Increased Space Dedicated to Wellness
At Parkside, we believe schools are about more than rote memorization and learning. We view each student holistically, understanding the importance of building resilience and effective communication skills at a young age. We understand that a student’s emotional intelligence is a vital component of their healthy development. Creating more space dedicated to mental wellness will support these qualities.
Single-User Locking Restrooms
At Parkside, we believe all schools should be a safe and welcoming environment for all children. Renovating the restrooms helps to provide the most comfortable environment for our students, so that they are free to focus on learning, growing and becoming their best selves.
Project Overview
Town Hall Presentation
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
August 16, 2024
On Monday, August 5, Parkside Elementary celebrated the grand reopening of its newly renovated building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a significant milestone for the school and community.
Cindy Frey, President of the Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of architecture in reflecting the community's values, emphasizing that the renovation shows Parkside's commitment to excellence for students and staff. "We care about our employees and our students, and now the outside matches the insides," Frey stated.
Mayor Mary Ferdon stressed that quality education is the foundation of the community's success. "In Columbus, we strive for excellence, and none of that can happen without great education for our kids," she said, noting the crucial role of a well-designed learning environment.
Dr. Chad Phillips, BCSC Superintendent, thanked those involved in the renovation, particularly the students and staff who adapted during the construction. "You get to be the first of the 11 elementary schools to be completely renovated," Dr. Phillips said, congratulating the Parkside community on their new facility.
Dr. Brett Boezeman, Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations for BCSC, shared that the building’s exterior remains mostly unchanged, but the interior has been transformed based on input from teachers. He pointed out the improved safety features, grade-level neighborhoods, and the new Wellness Center designed to meet students' physical and emotional needs.
Principal Chris Smith led the ribbon-cutting with students, expressing his pride in the completed project. He invited attendees to explore the school's new spaces, including flexible learning areas, small group zones, and a dedicated STEM lab. "It's been a long three years, but what we've gained is invaluable," Smith said.
The ceremony concluded with tours of the newly renovated school, celebrating Parkside Elementary's bright future.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Redistricting
BCSC Redistricting for 2027–2028
2024–2026: Preparation
BCSC will examine existing school populations, work with the city and county to understand future housing projects, plan with advisors, and work on developing revised boundaries.
2026–2027: Meet with Stakeholders
BCSC will meet with stakeholders to get feedback on redistricting.
Spring 2027: Board Vote
The Board of Trustees will vote on new boundary lines.
August 2027: New Boundaries Start
Elementary boundaries go into effect. Middle school boundaries will go into effect if applicable in 2027. High school boundaries will go into effect if applicable in 2028.
Redistricting Goals
Populate Maple Grove Elementary
Maple Grove Elementary School will open in August of 2027. The school will be located behind Westside Community Church on W State Rd 46.
Create Student Capacity and Program Space
Having spaces in all schools to support STEM, flexible collaborative spaces, PreK, counselors, SROs, and our growing community on the west side of town.
Balance Elementary Schools
Based on stakeholder feedback, elementary schools will be PreK-6. Boundaries will be determined prioritizing keeping neighborhoods together, balancing student socio-economic status, and minimizing distance to the school.
Balance Secondary Schools
Based on stakeholder feedback, secondary schools will be grades 7-8 for middle schools and grades 9-12 for high schools. Secondary school redistricting will look to balance student numbers.
Ensuring Every Student Has Access To Exceptional:
Facilities
Envision 2030 projects will provide necessary updates in every building in the district.
Programming
All schools will all have world class educational programming including STEM labs, art, music, language and special education support, and research based curriculum.
Teachers
All schools will have exceptional, certified teachers who put students first.
BCSC Process for Redistricting
Understanding Current School Populations
Examining data in our existing schools and boundaries, planning for future housing projects, and understanding neighborhood dynamics.
Working with Administrator Assistance and Districting and Facilities Committee
Administrator Assistance, an experienced third-party firm specializing in school redistricting, will support and guide our process. They will collaborate with our long-standing District and Facilities Committee to develop school boundary recommendations for the School Board. These recommendations will be grounded in data analysis and informed by community input to ensure our redistricting goals are achieved.
Meeting with Stakeholders
BCSC will meet with stakeholders to get questions and feedback regarding redistricting.
Recommending Options to the School Board
In 2027, recommendations will be presented to the school board for the 2027-2028 school year.
What We Are Considering
Challenges with Current School Boundaries
- Some school boundaries have natural boards (rivers and roads) while others do not.
- School boundary lines split up neighborhoods.
- Neighborhoods that are in walking distance to a school are districted to a school far away.
- Some school lines are not connected.
- Schools have inequities in total number of students and socio-economic status.
- School lines create inefficient bus routes.
Your Voice
Fill out the form found at the bottom of this page and we will address your questions and concerns as they arise. We value your input and your feedback!
Informational Sessions
BCSC held three preliminary information sessions in April 2026 to discuss current school boundaries, school enrollments, redistricting process and timelines, and priorities for redistricting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is BCSC closing any schools as part of this process?
- Will the grade levels stay the same for Elementary, Middle, and High School?
- Will AC remain at Parkside and Southside?
- Will school boundaries only change for schools adjacent to Maple Grove Elementary?
- Are CSA and Legado programs affected by redistricting?
- Is Maple Grove going to increase taxes?
- Can I enroll a student at a school for the 2026–2027 school year that I anticipate they will be attending in 2027–2028 (e.g., Shadowcreek student going to Southside)?
Is BCSC closing any schools as part of this process?
Will the grade levels stay the same for Elementary, Middle, and High School?
Will AC remain at Parkside and Southside?
Will school boundaries only change for schools adjacent to Maple Grove Elementary?
Are CSA and Legado programs affected by redistricting?
Is Maple Grove going to increase taxes?
Can I enroll a student at a school for the 2026–2027 school year that I anticipate they will be attending in 2027–2028 (e.g., Shadowcreek student going to Southside)?
Questions? Comments? We want to hear from you!
Do you have a question about redistricting that hasn't been answered? Fill out this form and we will add more FAQs throughout the process.
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