Capital AE outlines bond project timeline; Cliff new‑school design shown as multi‑year effort

Capital AE told the Silver Consolidated Board of Education on Sept. 15 that the district’s bond package will be implemented in a staggered schedule designed to limit simultaneous construction at sites that host summer operations, and that state funds will be used to supplement the district’s $25 million bond to cover larger projects. “Everyone wants to know when,” Capital AE president Josh Chisholm said during the update, and the consulting team laid out a front‑loaded design period followed by bid and construction phases that together can stretch multi‑year projects across three to four years. Key takeaways - Bond and state funding: The consultants reiterated the district’s bond amount (approximately $25 million) and said that using state funds will extend project reach. Capital AE noted an estimated $49 million in deferred maintenance needs across district facilities and said the bond dollars plus state contributions will address a portion of that backlog. - Cliff new school: The estimated project budget for a new Cliff school was presented at roughly $45 million with a district contribution of about $6 million; consultants indicated the remainder would come from state capital‑outlay funds contingent on PSCOC (Public School Capital Outlay Council) approval. - Project sequencing and timing: Harrison Schmidt Elementary School is planned for design completion this fall and construction activity targeted for summer 2026. Binney Field and GW Stout are slated for summer 2027; La Plata Middle School and Silver High School follow. Consultants emphasized staggered summer sequencing to preserve summer programming and operations. - Scopes and immediate actions: Scopes emphasized HVAC/thermal comfort, roofing, fire alarm replacement, exterior door replacements, flooring upgrades and playgrounds. Capital AE said some scopes (for example, exterior doors and flooring at Harrison) can be procured without full architect design, and asbestos abatement contractors are being onboarded to clear work for summer construction. Why it matters: The schedule and funding strategy set expectations for when parents and staff will see physical changes at campuses. Board members asked for clarity on budgets and schedules; the consultant team said design is intentionally thorough to avoid rushed construction that can increase cost and cause disruption. Quotable: Tim Nolesal, Capital AE director of project management, said, “We have this kind of front load. That's why we're not seeing as much work being done right now — we have to get work designed and then permitted and then bid out for construction.” Next steps and staff directions: The district will finish design and submit FY26 PSCOC applications (some in final stages), finalize budgets for sites like Binney Field to proceed with procurement and continue staggered design/construction planning. No formal board vote occurred; Capital AE’s presentation was informational and staff will return with PSCOC application results and refined budgets. Background and context: Board members and administrators noted the community passed the bond last fall. Capital AE’s team said the firm is serving as the district’s bond project manager and will assist with PSCOC engagement, design procurement and construction oversight. Photos and examples shown to the board highlighted existing roofing and door conditions and illustrated the types of work planned at multiple schools; Capital AE said a project such as Cliff could take up to three to four years from design through closeout.