The Beaverton School Board unanimously approved on June 2 an alternative procurement method to pursue a design‑build contract for the Barnes Elementary gym‑cafeteria project.

Board members removed the Barnes item from the consent agenda earlier in the meeting and then voted to authorize staff to pursue design‑build procurement for that single project. The board approved a motion to exempt the project from traditional design‑bid‑build competitive bidding so that district staff can run a best‑value, two‑step design‑build selection.

District facilities staff explained design‑build as a competitive, two‑step process that shortlists teams based on qualifications and then evaluates proposed designs and prices to find the best overall value rather than simply the lowest bid. Facilities staff said the process is commonly used nationally and allows closer coordination between design and construction to improve efficiency and innovation.

A board member asked for assurances that the method would not simply “give a contract to our buddies.” Facilities staff described the selection as competitive, explaining that proposers are evaluated on qualifications, safety plans, equity contracting goals and price; staff said shortlisted teams would present designs and guaranteed prices in a second round.

The motion passed unanimously; the board did not identify the winning firm at the meeting and no contract was signed that night. Staff will run a solicitation, shortlist respondents, then return to the board with a recommended contract under the district's procurement rules.