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District committee selects CHA as construction manager; will seek board approval for $272,000 preconstruction fee
Summary
A facilities selection committee recommended CHA as construction manager for the high school renovation and will present a preconstruction agreement not to exceed $272,000 to the full board; the larger construction-phase fee will return to the board after architects finalize scope.
The facilities committee recommended CHA as the construction management firm for the district's planned high school renovation and said it will ask the school board to approve a preconstruction agreement not to exceed $272,000 at an upcoming board meeting. The committee reviewed proposals and narrowed finalists before selecting CHA for its experience with K–12 projects, approach to phasing, and emphasis on cost strategy.
The recommendation came after a Sept. 9 committee interview that included Superintendent Johnson, Miss Moseley, Andy Benzing and Mary Jo Kowski Smith. Superintendent Johnson said the committee evaluated firms on “firm experience, the resources, related projects,” adherence to the request for proposals and fee proposals, and singled out CHA’s “focus on both strategy and management” as the difference-maker.
Jamie Lynch, business practice leader for CHA, told the committee, “As you're embarking on this very exciting project, we're pleased now to become a part of the team of your stakeholders.” Lynch said CHA’s work is heavily K–12 focused and emphasized prioritizing school operations while construction is underway.
Henry Gariello, project executive and registered architect for CHA, described how CHA plans to staff the project: early involvement from senior staff during design and increasing on-site presence from a field lead during construction. “You'll see a lot of Jamie and I in the beginning,” Gariello said, adding that a field lead will be “our lead guy in the field, really helping to just be your eyes and ears.”
A resident who spoke during the meeting, Leo Carey of Allen Lane, asked factual questions about the firm and the fee structure, asking, “Who owns CHA?” and seeking clarity on the $272,000 figure and the larger construction-phase fee. Committee members clarified that CHA’s engagement is divided into two phases: (1) a preconstruction phase for which the committee will seek board approval of the ~ $272,000 fee and (2) a construction-phase contract currently estimated at about $1.4 million that will be returned to the board for approval once the architect’s final design defines scope and cost. Committee members emphasized the phase-two figure could change if the project scope changes.
The committee also discussed how CHA would engage the public and local municipality early in design, mentioning the possibility of an Act 34 public hearing if the project requires one. CHA representatives outlined community outreach practices — early meetings with the municipality and neighbors, permitting and land-development coordination, and regular public updates — to minimize schedule risk and keep the school functioning during construction.
No final contract was approved by the committee during the meeting; the action is a recommendation to the full board and the preconstruction agreement will be presented for board approval at an upcoming meeting.
The committee said the district will continue to negotiate contract language and return to the board for approval of the construction-phase agreement after design and permitting work clarify the final scope and cost.
