Board approves Park Hill as architect and selects CMAR procurement for former Friendship Middle School repurposing

The Friendship Board of Trustees voted to contract with Park Hill for architectural services to repurpose the former Friendship Middle School campus and approved a resolution authorizing construction-manager-at-risk (CMAR) procurement for the project. Staff said the district solicited qualifications in December 2024 and in February 2025 approved a pool of architects. Administration recommended Park Hill for the repurposing work on competency and cost considerations; the contract was prepared and reviewed by district counsel and Park Hill. Derek Cobb presented the recommendation and the contract to the board; he said Park Hill demonstrated competency and value for the project. Cobb told trustees that Texas Government Code section 2269.056 requires the board to select a construction procurement method providing best value before procurement. After consulting with the architect and reviewing project needs, administration recommended CMAR as the procurement method, citing negotiating leverage and project type as reasons. Trustees approved the architect contract and the CMAR resolution. Board President Miller recused himself from the architect vote because of a conflict related to a family employment connection. Why it matters: The architect selection and chosen procurement method set the framework for how the district will design and deliver the renovation work on the former middle school campus, and will shape timelines, contractor selection and contract terms. Next steps: Staff will proceed under the Park Hill contract to design phases and issue CMAR procurement documents consistent with Texas law.