Bettendorf board approves Russell Construction as construction manager at risk for middle school renovation

The Bettendorf Community School District board on Tuesday approved recommending Russell Construction as the construction manager at risk (CMAR) for the planned four‑year renovation and addition at Bettendorf Middle School.

Superintendent Dr. Mish told the board that the district issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) in July with an August 7 deadline and received seven responses. After interviews and reference checks, the district is recommending Russell Construction to work with Bridal Architects and district staff on the renovation and phased construction while the building remains occupied.

"At this time, we are recommending Russell Construction to be that partner that works with Bray and the district to add on and renovate our middle school over the next 4 years," Dr. Mish said. She told the board the CMAR selection emphasized qualifications and experience managing complex renovations in occupied K–12 facilities rather than the lowest fee alone.

Dr. Mish said the board previously set a guaranteed maximum price ceiling of $33.5 million for the project. Firms submitting qualifications were told to plan within that ceiling; during interviews, staff asked about final project costs on prior jobs and about firms' abilities to manage unexpected issues and rising costs. The district asked each firm to provide a sealed fee proposal that was opened only after interview rankings were complete.

Carrie Ollacamp of Bridal Architects told the board that Russell emphasized phasing and preconstruction planning during its presentation and that the firm expects to perform significant preconstruction legwork to sequence phases two through four while keeping classrooms and students safe.

District staff described evaluation criteria the team used: K–12 experience, renovation experience in occupied facilities, ability to bond the project, depth of staff available for day‑to‑day oversight, and capacity to attract competitive trade bids. Dr. Mish said the top proposals' fee variance was relatively small—about a $500,000 difference among the highest‑ranked firms—and that Russell was not the lowest bidder but was judged the best overall fit.

Board members asked questions about how candidates would handle communication within an occupied building and how preconstruction work would limit cost escalation. Dr. Mish and Ollacamp said the preconstruction phase should help identify and mitigate unknowns before major demolition and that Russell reported processes to adjust personnel if initial team members proved not to be the right fit.

The agenda item moved forward and was approved by roll call. The motion and roll call were recorded in the meeting minutes.

District staff said next steps will include finalizing preconstruction work with the selected CMAR, reviewing the phased schedule, and beginning trade procurement consistent with CMAR contracting and bonding requirements.