Navigate Building Solutions reports Proposition S progress: HVAC largest cost, $137M in scope and MBE/WBE commitments

Chaz Jaques, primary point of contact for Navigate Building Solutions, presented a progress update on Proposition S projects the firm is managing for Saint Louis Public Schools.

Jaques told the Real Estate Committee that Proposition S projects cover seven categories of work across open and closed district properties and include hazardous material abatement, HVAC upgrades, building infrastructure (roofs and windows), safety and security, academic performance improvements, interior building enhancements, and outdoor learning spaces.

Why it matters: Proposition S is the bond program voters approved and funds major building repairs and upgrades across the district. The presentation summarized what has been completed, what is in progress and the costs assigned to each category.

Budget and scope highlights

- Total scope: Jaques reported the program has spent or committed “north of $137,000,000 of the $160” million budget; that total includes professional services such as architecture and engineering.

- Category shares: HVAC upgrades represent the largest share (about 40%), building infrastructure about 22%, interior building enhancements about 16% and hazardous material abatement about 10% of the program cost allocation shown in the presentation.

Contracting and equity commitments

- Local contracting commitments: Jaques said more than $22,000,000 is committed to minority business enterprises (MBE) and over $8,000,000 to women‑owned business enterprises (WBE) on construction contracts to date; he noted those figures exclude professional services and are based on construction contracting only.

Work completed and examples

- Counts and examples from the presentation included 571 whiteboard installations, 16 stair tread replacements, 30 painting projects, LED lighting upgrades, fire alarm improvements, 45 restroom upgrades, six new playgrounds, 10 playground resurfacings, 234 drinking‑fountain/water‑filler installs, and roofing and masonry work at multiple campuses.

- Jaques said whiteboard installations often required hazardous‑material abatement because older chalkboards were installed with materials the district’s environmental team identified as suspect; abatement was completed before new boards were installed.

Summer 2025 priorities and schedule

- Ongoing and near‑term projects include renovations at Vashon High School auditorium, Metro and Central auditoriums, Gateway STEM (new elevators, gym and an eSports classroom) and a full campus refresh and additions at Central VPA Collegiate. The goal is to complete summer work as close as possible to the first day of school.

Storm damage and insurance

- The presenter said work paused in places after the May 16 tornado and that the district’s insurance provider completed a walkthrough last week; Navigate coordinated contractors and design partners for that inspection. Jaques said he is not aware of a separate walkthrough by the general contractors’ insurance carriers and said he would verify and report back.

Security and doors

- The presentation highlighted exterior door replacements and new window systems described as “anti‑terror” panels that deter forced entry but are not ballistic; Jaques said the product prevents a person from breaching an exterior door though “ballistics can go through that window.” He deferred technical ballistics questions to the district’s safety and security staff.

Quotes and public engagement

- “Success is never accident. It’s always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent direction,” Jaques said, adding the program seeks to reflect St. Louis in its contractor workforce and make visible progress across campuses.

Next steps

- Navigate is collecting updated cost estimates for storm‑affected work and coordinating warranty walkthroughs with contractors; the team also continues planning phased security upgrades including cameras and access control in coordination with district security.