Elmbrook board narrows architecture search to two finalists amid sharp debate over scope and cost

The Elmbrook School District Board on Oct. 13 approved administration’s recommendation to narrow the search for architectural services to two finalists — Epstein Yuen Architects and Bray Architects — and to proceed with interviews.

The vote to confirm the two finalists was 5–2. Board members who voted yes said they wanted professional help to develop a long-range plan, cost options and clearer estimates; board members who voted no said the process felt prematurely focused on large-scale spending and that administration should first define needs before selecting firms.

Why it matters: The district is developing a 20‑year facility plan to identify capital maintenance needs, learning-space improvements and potential large projects. Administration and the board said they require an architect and a construction manager now to produce costed options and help the board distinguish “needs” from “wants.” The request for proposals asked firms to price multiple financing scenarios so the board could compare responses on an apples-to-apples basis.

Board debate: Sam Hughes described the process as “backwards,” saying it appeared to assume an $80 million project and that the approach risks prioritizing wants over the district’s essential needs. Administration and other board members responded that the RFP asked firms to price a range of scenarios precisely because the board has not yet decided what it will propose or recommend; the $80 million figure was one of several scenarios used to allow direct comparison of bids.

Community input and process: Several board members and residents urged transparency and community engagement as planning proceeds. Administration outlined a schedule of work sessions, school tours, listening sessions and anticipated timelines for selecting a construction manager in November. The board later authorized the Finance and Operations Committee to serve as the board’s selection team for the architect and construction manager and directed administration to bring finalist recommendations back to the full board for approval at upcoming meetings.

Votes and next steps: The board confirmed the two architecture finalists for interviews and approved Finance and Operations as the board selection team. Administration plans architect interviews the week after the meeting and intends to bring a recommendation to the board at the Oct. 28 meeting; the district will solicit construction-manager proposals with a selection target in November.

Ending: Board members agreed the process would produce better information about costs and priorities, but several said they remain wary of assuming a particular dollar amount for work before the planning and public-engagement steps are complete.