The Lewis Central Community School District Board of Directors on June 30 approved architectural services agreements with BCDM to begin planning for middle school renovations, authorizing pre-design work to develop scope and cost estimates.

Board members on a selection committee interviewed multiple firms and recommended BCDM, the same firm working on the high school addition, for planning and pre-design. Staff said two firms on the original list withdrew because of timing and workload. The recommended approach is to sign an hourly pre-design agreement to allow the architect to develop a scope and preliminary budget; if the district proceeds to a full project, the pre-design fees would be credited against the architect's final fee, which is typically calculated as a percentage of the total construction cost.

Staff said BCDM will begin outreach and planning immediately if the board approved the engagement; they noted summer schedules limit staff and teacher availability for community workshops but described a plan to convene a facilities committee and hold a workshop with staff when school resumes. The board approved the agreement by roll-call vote as item 6.03.

Board members asked about timing and community involvement; staff said the firm was already conducting site walk-throughs and will help the district refine priorities so work can proceed next summer if the board elects to proceed to construction.