Stratham board pauses bidding policy, appoints Carino as construction manager; owner's‑rep RFP under review

The Stratham School Board voted April 9 to pause its standard bidding process and retain Carino (Carino/Corino in transcript) as construction manager for the next phase of the school renovation project.

What the board approved: The building subcommittee recommended hiring Carino because of the firm's existing familiarity with the building, prior budget and scope work and the expectation this will save time and money during preconstruction. The board voted to suspend policy DJE (bidding procedures) and accept Carino as construction manager; the motion passed 4‑0.

Owner’s representative RFP: Separately, the building subcommittee posted an RFP for an owner's representative to oversee the work on behalf of the district. Two firms submitted proposals by the published deadline; the subcommittee will interview both applicants and then deliver a recommendation for the board’s April 16 meeting. The owner's rep will work for the district and provide oversight of bidding for major subcontractors, review subcontractor bids and report to the board and subcommittee.

Oversight and process notes: Subcommittee members said the planned approach will require transparent contracting: the owner's rep will verify Carino’s fee, overhead and subcontractor bids (three bids for major trades such as roofing or HVAC were discussed as the subcommittee’s expectation). The owner’s rep is intended to serve as the district’s agent during construction and provide monthly updates to the board.

Ending: The board directed the subcommittee to finish interviews for the owner's rep and report back with a recommendation at the next meeting so preconstruction work can progress.