[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6089086,"mediaKeyId","2876508-861d84657bb8c33e2b85030715d5022d","parentId",2876508,"title","Board approves $8.21 million A&E contract with Integris Architecture for International School replacement","audioSeconds",268,"startMs",4442000,"endMs",4710000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2876508-861d84657bb8c33e2b85030715d5022d&start=4442&end=4710","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2876508-861d84657bb8c33e2b85030715d5022d/thumbnail_4442000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6089086/Washington/Board-approves-821-million-AE-contract-with-Integris-Architecture-for-International-School-replacement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089086-4b219ca2ef412b9757ce16e81f2df874/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107080&Signature=HHk5nLMWhbCrghI6rUPPW6NN643M5O0V8aYvNiKh1n4Dcah~zRzRmCoZA7gYi~Ikd9JHrvrG1qZvFYGDOJlgWvfELbQh6Ys84lnE0M2oG5a0ElkxJBV7Boj9Ne118I0ZeEjyov5QURUFl4RIEhWw1fQTHmUZtb3qCffNpNMJLCfASIyCfNANv5vV3M2rHQ3cH9e6R-SrannIa0DNbduRAeo3~72ZuauvK4-lPjaO8Htpi~Fp3GSaEHD1PxoXX38Hu0~y~pKO6rcf3a3Cl5OAh3VDTLpEmebbcgoksKKOILWcDoysEQuk7TFo3eQm47k9jixbiYYl1HR2RbWG6bWIDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bellevue School District, Washington","date","2025-04-04T16:54:13.643Z","article","At its meeting, the Bellevue School District Board of Directors approved an award of contract for architectural and engineering services for the International School replacement project.

Jack McCloud, Executive Director of Facilities Operations, told the board that Integris Architecture was selected after eight firms responded to a February 2025 request for qualifications and three firms were shortlisted and interviewed on March 12. The board approved awarding the contract to Integris Architecture for $8,206,383. McCloud said the contract amount was calculated from the district’s maximum allowable construction cost and the Washington State fee schedule for public schools.

Funding and financial limits: The International School Replacement Project will be funded from project‑specific bonds voters approved in 2020. The district set an initial Maximum Allowable Construction (MAC) cost of $78,000,000; the A&E contract amount is stated as based on MAC calculations.

Selection process: McCloud said the selection committee included International School staff and facilities department representatives. The advertisement ran for two consecutive weeks in the Seattle Times and the Daily Journal of Commerce; eight firms submitted qualifications and three were interviewed.

Board action and vote: The board moved to approve the architect and engineering contract for the International School replacement and carried the motion by voice vote. The transcript records the motion and the board chair calling for and receiving “aye” votes; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.

Votes at a glance (board motions during the meeting):
• Agenda approval — motion carried by voice vote (ayes recorded; no roll‑call tally in transcript).
• Consent agenda approval — motion carried by voice vote (ayes recorded; no roll‑call tally in transcript).
• Award of architect & engineering contract to Integris Architecture for $8,206,383 — motion carried by voice vote; funding: voter‑approved project bonds (2020); MAC set at $78,000,000.

Why it matters: The contract starts the design phase of a major school replacement project using voter‑approved bond funds; the selection and early cost assumptions will shape project budget and schedule as the district proceeds into schematic design and permitting.

Clarifying details: The architect selection process was qualification‑based; the advertisement and interviews were described in the meeting. The contract number and other internal procurement identifiers were not specified in the public transcript.

Provenance: Presentation and motion to approve the award of contract, beginning with the facilities director’s presentation and concluding with the board’s voice vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BSD Regular Board Meeting April 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Bellevue School District Board approved an award of architectural and engineering services for the International School replacement to Integris Architecture for $8,206,383, funded by project‑specific bonds approved by voters in 2020; the district set a maximum allowable construction cost of $78 million.","taxTitle","Bellevue School District, School Districts, Washington","taxId",13035,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6089091,"Bellevue board hears plan to redesign IEP and 504 meetings to improve inclusion and accessibility",994,2307000,3301000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2876508-861d84657bb8c33e2b85030715d5022d&start=2307&end=3301","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2876508-861d84657bb8c33e2b85030715d5022d/thumbnail_2307000.jpg","/articles/6089091/Washington/Bellevue-board-hears-plan-to-redesign-IEP-and-504-meetings-to-improve-inclusion-and-accessibility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089091-dcd2ef72b8eebf4b9695b6f082f06d2c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107080&Signature=StjmuaFXrVTgKjjpuDR4tH53t-18w1QPBnIHSbHvkBVW6WFE4mlAhyOqzL0UtTCIutnTaiKrk4PWJIHpkQg8FfCAuuoM92DTEoE25B1V7pMDRwyfEG0wB4NohCOwF6ppD26bis8707vKs0coNb6tDPhXLhzEF0v0BailEiME~M3SWuOXBErV1vo9JHDf14do3gSJXn4r5RGSC6oPLSeUgm8LzQNpsC4ZcNvxeVf1Q6gdZ7j30z5n6-Hfu3Ac4-gz-Nsa3AXukgAFFnelhZ-oEOLw5sfA4np8t7YdIP2i2Uj638kwHMDs5x2Q-8xZ4itpimZe8KpFtHVhqQhT-UhbSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Bellevue School District Board of Directors meeting, district staff presented the first‑year report of a five‑year plan to improve accessibility and inclusion, beginning with redesigning Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 meetings.

Scott Powers, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, told the board that the inclusion and accessibility team chose a focused, manageable first step: make IEP and 504 meetings more inclusive, accessible and student‑centered. “Year 1 of a 5‑year plan is focused on creating more inclusive and accessible 504 meetings and IEP meetings,” Erin Hagen, director of special education (elementary focus), told the board.

Scope and findings: Student speaker Gabriel Patterson, a Sammamish High School student who participated in the team’s work, said the district serves about 3,610 students who experience disabilities and that the design team conducted more than 60 empathy interviews with families, students and staff to surface problems and themes. “We needed more consistent practices throughout all 504 and IEP meetings,” Patterson said, describing a need for consistent structure, better communication and a welcoming environment for participation.

The team identified three root causes it can address within the current scope: 1) transactional meeting dynamics that undermine collaborative, student‑centered conversation; 2) lack of role clarity, training and consistency across schools; and 3) a deficit‑based mindset rather than a strength‑based approach. Dr. Ayer, a school psychologist, explained the root‑cause analysis and said the group narrowed potential causes and prioritized three within the team’s scope.

Planned actions: Team members described next steps including brainstorming and prioritizing actionable solutions, developing consistent meeting facilitation practices, expanding staff training, and leveraging the special‑education family liaison role to connect families to resources. Gita McIntyre, the district’s Family Liaison for Special Education, said her role provides “family support” and builds community via monthly coffee chats and resource sessions.

Board member questions and district replies: Board members pressed on implementation and follow‑through — not just improving meetings but ensuring agreed accommodations and services are actually delivered in classrooms. Board members also asked that students’ voices be included when appropriate, that the work connect to facilities and other operational teams to remove physical barriers, and that general‑education staff be engaged in later phases so implementation occurs across the system. Staff acknowledged those needs and said broader training and system‑level alignment will be part of later phases.

Why it matters: IEP and 504 meetings are entry points for services. The district said improving the meeting experience could reduce misunderstandings, reduce unmet student needs, and build trust between families and schools.

Next steps reported to the board: continue prototyping facilitation and communication practices, move from root‑cause analysis to prioritized pilots, and plan district‑wide professional development so teachers, administrators and families share expectations for inclusive, student‑centered meetings.

Provenance: The report and Q&A during the annual plan board report on accessibility and inclusion (presentation by Scott Powers, Erin Hagen and team) form the basis of this article.","District staff presented year‑one of a five‑year inclusion and accessibility plan focused on making IEP and 504 meetings more human‑centered, consistent and strength‑based; the team identified three root causes and plans training, better role clarity, and broader system outreach.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6089096,"Dual‑language teachers tell Bellevue School Board poor communication on employment decisions harmed morale",800,1465000,2265000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2876508-861d84657bb8c33e2b85030715d5022d&start=1465&end=2265","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2876508-861d84657bb8c33e2b85030715d5022d/thumbnail_1465000.jpg","/articles/6089096/Washington/Duallanguage-teachers-tell-Bellevue-School-Board-poor-communication-on-employment-decisions-harmed-morale","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089096-1e1acdf6e2c554afa8dc0c4cfce72776/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107080&Signature=eMMJvxj0Wms8VyWEEZemt24IqdbBFIhX3un3UMjrtU6cxXMh7NNfhTqDqG-mKupQt0ftFy-1am~7ydrMtL5N9tXxEjWXsQx9d4nQHJ3PLTa8XS5E9J3brPCuMRtL6QHnPkqx41hGLVJVR8U9t4Ce7Npq93IORHUYlGTqMIR9m0x~0QK9BI98FJt7DNBnLVl0vsgfRzfdFuXbZQ4sWoXHpm0uf8WPqIojuw83DNiZSb7khIoStywKz~P1RJmWzUqzacUitEKX6LMnKdmxdA6ueaSyNwI6aHIxjdQCd9YRZZDgxafxlsOF-1hnAgnHBjzBReVOUQPPB9wW0iOOonucFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At Monday’s Bellevue School District Board of Directors meeting, a group of dual‑language and bilingual educators said delayed, incomplete communications about employment status and certification created widespread distress and damaged morale.

The educators told the board that follow‑up district communication arrived only after “six long weeks” of uncertainty and that some staff had received conflicting information from the district and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). “The initial and verified employment information has caused significant distress among our highly qualified dual language teachers,” said Stephanie Hidalgo, a dual‑language teacher, during the public‑comment period.

The teachers said their concerns included a lack of timely written information, apparent lapses in discretion when handling personal, confidential information, and language and treatment they described as demeaning to members of a protected class. “This lack of clarity and communication only heightened the confusion and distress,” Juan Carlos, a dual‑language teacher, told the board.

Why it matters: Bellevue’s dual‑language programs serve linguistically diverse students and rely on experienced bilingual teachers. The group warned that lingering uncertainty about employment and certification decisions could undermine program stability, teacher retention and family trust in the district.

What the teachers asked for: Nancy Salgado, speaking for the group, listed four requests the educators presented to the board: 1) a meeting with Superintendent Dr. Aramaki to address concerns; 2) accurate, teacher‑specific written information from the district; 3) closer partnership with departmental leaders to strengthen programs; and 4) continued engagement with the school board, including invitations to visit classrooms.

Superintendent response: Superintendent Dr. Aramaki apologized to the educators on behalf of the district and said district staff were working on a fix. “I do apologize on behalf of the district for the strife over the past 3 to 6 weeks that you’ve been having to deal with this,” Aramaki said, and promised to provide clarity and follow up with the group.

What teachers said about program impact: Speakers highlighted the broader value of dual‑language instruction for students and families, including culturally responsive teaching and the additional workload teachers take on to develop bilingual materials. “Dual language teachers are superheroes,” said Sally Romo, a dual‑language teacher, listing daily responsibilities such as balancing instruction in two languages, differentiating for varied proficiency levels, and creating supplemental curriculum.

Next steps and board response: Board members thanked speakers and asked the superintendent’s office to continue communication with affected staff. District leaders acknowledged the teachers’ request to follow the district’s equity‑driven decision‑making process (Policy 0130) and said they would provide written, teacher‑specific information as soon as possible.

Provenance: Educators’ public comments (opening at the public‑comment slide) through the superintendent’s brief response at the close of public comment are the basis for this report.","At a Bellevue School District board meeting, dual‑language teachers said delayed and unclear employment communications caused distress, cited mishandling of confidential information, and asked the district for meetings, written teacher‑specific information and sustained partnership.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves $8.21 million A&E contract with Integris Architecture for International School replacement

Bellevue board hears plan to redesign IEP and 504 meetings to improve inclusion and accessibility

Dual‑language teachers tell Bellevue School Board poor communication on employment decisions harmed morale