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Board approves $14.05 million guaranteed maximum price for Bernice Matthews Elementary modernization
Summary
Trustees unanimously approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $14,045,136 to Core Construction for the Bernice Matthews Elementary School modernization, plus an owner's contingency of $1,245,000 for a total project construction authorization of $15,290,136.
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees on Aug. 26 approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) agreement with Cora West, Inc., doing business as Core Construction, to modernize Bernice Matthews Elementary School.
Facilities staff described the project as the district’s first elementary modernization under the Facilities Modernization Plan. Presentation highlights included seven classroom additions, conversion of a computer/library space to a STEAM lab, library modifications, upgraded office and community-school spaces, flooring and painting, and a new single-point secure front entry. Van Wert Bogode is the architect of record, district staff said.
April Anderson, assistant director of procurement and contracts, told trustees Core solicited nearly 100 subcontractor bids and that 84% of selected subcontractors are local Northern Nevada firms. After a competitive sealed-bid process and multiple clarifications, the district and Core agreed on a GMP of $14,045,136. District staff recommended and trustees approved adding an owner’s contingency of $1,245,000, bringing the construction budget total to $15,290,136.
Tammy Zimmerman, chief facilities management officer, said work will include classroom carpet and paint (previously proposed as alternates), the new single-point entry and other alternates that fit within the district’s construction funding. If approved, construction was planned to start in September 2025, with district documents and staff indicating anticipated construction completion in 2026.
Trustee Woodley moved approval; Trustee Hall seconded. The board voted unanimously to approve the GMP and the district’s CMAR agreement.
Core Construction Vice President Travis Combs and community partners including Communities in Schools of Western Nevada representatives spoke during public comment to express support for the project and to outline planned community engagement and student-learning opportunities during construction.
Next steps: staff will finalize contract execution and move into preconstruction and planned construction activities in coordination with school leadership and community partners. The district said schedule work will be coordinated to minimize disruption to students and staff, with interior refresh work anticipated during breaks.
