Katy ISD recommends contractors for multiple renovation projects, moves portables and plans Taylor High athletic reconfiguration

Katy Independent School District staff presented a slate of facilities and construction recommendations at the April 14 work study meeting, including recommended construction managers at risk for renovation projects, portable relocations to address student growth, chiller replacements tied to bond life‑cycle work and a plan to reconfigure Taylor High School’s athletic access to improve student safety.

Lisa Casman, Executive Director of Facilities, Planning and Construction, described a two‑step construction manager at‑risk selection process the district used to evaluate contractors’ experience, fees and proposed on‑site personnel. Based on that process, staff recommended awarding CMAR roles for projects including Beck Junior High renovation and addition, May Creek Elementary and Sundown Elementary renovations, and the Marquel Hopkins law enforcement center expansion to the firms recommended in the packet. Casman said the step‑one evaluation emphasized personnel and track record (50 percent of score) with fees and pre‑construction services weighted in step two.

Casman and trustees discussed capacity concerns and scheduling; staff said they reviewed contractor staffing and schedules before recommending awards and that some firms are already active on other Katy ISD projects. Trustee questions about why a particular firm won one bid but not another were answered by staff as being related to proposed personnel and project‑specific references rather than price alone.

Portable buildings: Nathan Fuchs, Executive Director of Maintenance and Operations, said five existing portables will be relocated from Pattison Elementary — two to Woodcreek Junior High and three to Haskett Junior High — and that the district is using project funds to mitigate GOF impact. Trustees noted portables are commonly repurposed and have a long useful life.

Bond life‑cycle work: Fuchs also introduced chiller replacements at Miller Career & Technology Center and at Taylor High School’s field house as scheduled life‑cycle work from the 2023 bond; staff said the work is planned to avoid catastrophic failures and is scheduled for completion by early next year.

Interlocal agreements and cost sharing: Staff brought a cost‑sharing agreement for a left‑turn lane near Cross Elementary tied to road work by Waller County Municipal Utility District and an interlocal for track repairs at Creech Elementary in which Cinco MUD No. 7 will contribute $15,000, with additional funds from the campus PTA and Cinco MUD No. 8.

Taylor High reconfiguration: Lance Carter, Executive Director of Athletics, and Ruben Martinez, emergency management coordinator, described a renovation to reconfigure athletic space inside Taylor High’s main building so the athletic trainer, equipment room and athletic secretary would be reachable without students crossing an unfenced parking lot to access the detached field house. Principal Dr. Melinda Stone joined staff in describing the safety and instructional‑time benefits; staff said the reconfiguration will reduce student travel across parking lots during the instructional day and enlarge the indoor athletic training facility to serve multiple sports.

Status and next steps: Staff recommended the awards and agreements for board approval but did not record formal contract awards during the work study. Specific contract documents and final award resolutions will be placed on a future action agenda for trustee approval and procurement processing.