School board approves RFP to seek outside owners project manager for Runlet middle-school work after public concern over cost

The Concord School District Board of Education voted May 5 to authorize a request for proposals to evaluate hiring an outside owners project manager for the Runlet Middle School project.

The board approved the recommendation after discussion about whether the district already has in-house capacity to manage large construction projects. "I will make that motion," Board member Matthew Richards said when he put the motion forward; a second was made by Board member Liz Buschai. Board members voted in favor; the motion passed.

The move aims to produce specific price and scope data so the board can weigh whether paying for an outside manager would add value. Board members said the RFP process will provide information and does not obligate the district to award a contract.

Why it matters: Runlet is the districts planned middle-school project and has been a focal…