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Board approves $1.62 million contract to Blue Cottage (CanonDesign) for administrative facilities master plan after 4-3 vote
Summary
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees voted 4–3 to award an administrative facilities master‑planning contract to Blue Cottage of CannonDesign for $1,621,690. Trustees and community members raised concerns about local participation and community engagement during the selection process.
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees on Feb. 25 approved awarding the consultant contract to develop an administrative facilities master plan to Blue Cottage of CannonDesign of Nevada Inc., in the amount of $1,621,690.
Board approval follows a multi-step procurement process in which nine firms submitted proposals and a five‑member evaluation committee shortlisted three finalists. The committee interviewed finalists and recommended Blue Cottage, a CannonDesign studio, as the most qualified. April Anderson, assistant director of procurement and contracts, told the trustees the committee invited three finalists to presentations and that Blue Cottage ranked highest after interviews and scoring.
The board’s approval came after a lengthy public discussion about local participation and past community engagement. Trustee Phoenix moved the award; Clerk Woodley seconded. The motion carried 4–3.
Why it matters: the contract funds a districtwide master plan for central administrative offices and related facilities. The work is intended to produce actionable options for future design, site selection, reorganization and possible construction, and it will guide decisions about district office space, warehouses and other central services.
What the contract covers: Adam Searcy, chief operations officer, said the scope is a master‑planning engagement rather than immediate design. He described the work as a year‑long process of stakeholder interviews, trustee and department briefings, concept development and feasibility analysis that could lead to property acquisition, renovations or new construction in later phases.
Procurement and firm background: April Anderson described the RFQ process (RFQS 45‑QS‑10‑25‑AA), a pre‑proposal walk that attracted representatives from 12 firms, and an evaluation panel made up of internal and external reviewers. The administration confirmed the selected team will include several professionals who were not part of the district’s earlier facility modernization work; Paul Mills of CannonDesign will play a limited continuity role, while Marika Smith of Blue Cottage will be the team principal on the project.
Trustees’ concerns and community feedback: several trustees and public speakers expressed reservations about repeatedly contracting with CannonDesign and its affiliates, citing community feedback from previous projects (including work at Incline and other community engagements) and a desire to ensure more locally based firms have opportunities. Trustee Hall and others urged staff to consider different outreach styles and stronger local participation. Trustee Phoenix and other trustees who supported the award said the selected team brought the needed expertise and that the district would require substantial trustee and public engagement during the study.
Next steps: the firm will begin work if contract negotiations are finalized. The engagement will include trustee interviews, staff and community meetings, and multiple presentations to the board and the Capital Funding Protection Committee as milestones are reached.
Votes at a glance: the motion to award the contract to Blue Cottage of CannonDesign carried 4 in favor, 3 opposed. The motion text in the meeting record names the RFQ and contract amount.
