Members of the Port Angeles School District selection committee and others on the dais discussed the two finalist firms immediately after their presentations. The committee heard comments about comparative strengths — design ideas, technical capacity and community engagement — and several members said Integris’ prior work for the district gave it an edge in trust and local knowledge.

Dr. Bernadette Shevelson opened the selection portion of the meeting and explained the immediate procedural step: the board needed to rank the two firms, first and second, and the district would then negotiate a contract with the top-ranked firm. Nolan Duce, the district’s capital projects director, facilitated the presentations and the discussion.

Committee members and attendees gave both firms positive reviews but emphasized different strengths. One committee member, Steve (PCC member), said SETI offered creative concept work while Integris demonstrated a collaborative local approach: “I felt like Integris wanted it more,” he said, summarizing his recommendation. Another committee member, Shobrocki (PCC member), likewise said Integris’ local collaboration stood out; multiple members praised Integris’ Stevens Middle School relationship as relevant experience.

Other panelists underscored that both teams are capable. Banner (the construction partner on past projects) and other advisors said either firm could complete a complex occupied-site project; Banner staff noted both firms’ technical depth and GCCM experience. Several commissioners stressed that the successful firm must produce flexible classroom design and durable systems that allow instructional programs to adapt over decades.

No formal motion or recorded vote to select the architect was made during the meeting. District staff confirmed the next steps: board members will state their rank order and staff will open contract negotiations with the top-ranked firm once a majority selection is established.

Committee members also asked for greater emphasis on local subcontractor participation during procurement and on lessons learned from Stevens Middle School; both finalist teams had proposed outreach strategies and technical standards alignment with the district’s other projects.

Board and committee remarks at the meeting do not constitute a final decision; the district’s stated process requires a formal ranking and then contract negotiation.