District to seek RFP for facility study of aging junior high; superintendent outlines federal and state funding uncertainties

District leaders said they will issue a request for proposals for a focused facility study of the aging junior high and early-childhood (4K) space needs and described a timeline that could produce board recommendations by the summer of 2026.

Kelly (staff member) said the district plans a targeted RFP rather than a full facilities audit: the study will concentrate on the aging junior high and 4K/early-childhood space, and the district prefers teams that include both an architect and a general contractor. The stated timeline in background materials calls for issuing the RFP “by the end of the week,” conducting interviews in May and working toward a recommendation to the board by summer 2026. The effort will include enrollment projections and stakeholder feedback.

Why it matters: Board members described the junior high as the district’s most aging facility and noted prior repairs addressed immediate safety and code issues rather than a full renovation. The study is intended to surface options and costs so the board can consider next steps.

Key points from the facility discussion

- Scope: The study will focus on the junior high and early-childhood (4K) needs rather than every district building; staff said a district-wide study was completed in the 2017–2018 timeframe.

- Team composition: The district prefers a paired architect–GC approach (design–build options may be considered) because each brings a different lens on cost, constructability and scheduling.

- Timeline: Staff indicated an RFP posting shortly, interviews in May, roughly a six-month study period and stakeholder outreach to follow; a recommendation to the board could come in the summer of 2026.

- Stakeholder input: The study will solicit feedback from staff, teachers and the community; the board discussed formats for collecting that feedback.

Superintendent’s budget and federal funding overview

Superintendent Dr. Naim summarized state and federal funding uncertainties that will affect budget planning. He said state-level budget timing remains unclear and noted the district’s work on fund transfers referenced in board background materials. Dr. Naim said that even if a proposed special-education reimbursement increase reaches a high level, the district would still transfer “over $3,000,000 to cover our costs” (as presented to the legislature), indicating continued pressure on the general fund. He reviewed federal program roles and how Title I, II, III and other federal sources support staff, intervention and preschool services.

Board perspective and context

Board member Larry reminded colleagues that prior investments in the junior high addressed urgent code and safety items and were never represented as comprehensive renovations; he urged clear public messaging about past work versus needs identified by the new study. Board members emphasized transparency during the study and the need to identify long-term environmental and structural risks such as failing underground infrastructure.

Quotes from the meeting

Kelly (staff member): "We would like an architect and a GC perspective, to help with this... the RFP would go up pretty soon, by the end of the week."

Dr. Naim (superintendent): "Even if we got to that 60% [special-education reimbursement], we would still transfer over $3,000,000 to cover our costs."

Next steps

Staff will post the RFP and return to the board with recommended firms after interviews; the study team will be asked to prepare enrollment projections, cost options and a stakeholder-engagement plan. The board will set public engagement details once the firm is selected.

Proper names cited and context

- D C Everest Area School District (district) - UWSP (University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point) and local partners were mentioned as participating in other district events.

Searchable_tags:["facility study","junior high","4K","RFP","enrollment projections","D C Everest"]