A public hearing to discuss improvements to Plum’s O’Block Elementary School drew only one resident to the podium as the multimillion-dollar project inches forward.

The building, which a study commissioned by the district claimed to have “extensive deficiencies,” is set to receive a 15,000-square-foot addition and extensive interior renovations.

According to a presentation by Robinson-based HDG Architects, the school likely will see a reorganized floor plan. It will include a new classroom wing, new special education classrooms, dedicated sensory spaces, dedicated space for music and band, and updated interior finishes throughout the building.

On the exterior, O’Block will get a new front entrance canopy, a new roof, a new ADA-compliant playground and play area, a parent drop-off loop and several other updates.

That’s all in addition to improvements in the guts of the building, such as a new fire protection and alarm system and updated HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems.

The project, with a maximum cost of $28.3 million, is part of a larger set of district improvements that also includes renovations at Plum Middle School.

Those renovations, which began in early June, mostly consist of mechanical replacements and new exterior fixtures including doors and windows.

After HDG principal Rob Rensi offered a general overview of the renovations and district financial advisor Jamie Doyle analyzed project numbers, only one Plum resident offered comments at the meeting that was meant to solicit them.

Michelle Stepnick, a member of the Plum School Board, reiterated her pleas to offer more attention to the district’s middle school, which she described as “the forgotten building.”

O’Block’s proposed design, she said, has “frills and excess,” which she urged architects to adjust.

“I think the public is entitled to see a scaled-down building,” Stepnick said. “We have significant need in other buildings throughout this district.”

Plum Superintendent Rick Walsh disputed Stepnick’s characterization of the middle school, saying the district had not forgotten it.

The district, he said, would be “fiscally responsible” in addressing the needs of each of Plum’s buildings.

“We want all of our buildings to be safe, warm and dry at the end of the day,” Walsh said.

Aside from Stepnick, the public podium remained vacant.

Work at the middle school will likely wrap up this fall, but the board could still approve other improvements there.

The larger-scale project at O’Block, however, would likely not be complete until 2027.

District Solicitor Dayne Dice said Plum would continue to accept public comment about the addition for 30 days following the meeting.

Comments can be emailed to macroj@pbsd.net. The deadline for them to be included on the record is July 24 at 3 p.m.

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