Olentangy approves design-only amendment with Fanning Howie to prepare plans for possible fifth high school

At the July 9 meeting, district staff presented and the board approved an amendment to the existing contract with architecture firm Fanning Howie and Associates to provide schematic design through construction-document services for a potential fifth high school.

District staff member Mister Gordon told the board the amendment being approved that night covered only design services; construction would require a future, separate amendment. He said the district sought to lock in design fees now to protect against future construction-price escalation while keeping the district uncommitted to build until it completes other approvals.

According to the memo distributed with the agenda, the district negotiated a fee structure that applies a historically negotiated 4.5% fee to a reduced construction-cost base; that approach yielded an approximately $583,000 reduction relative to applying the 4.5% fee to the full construction estimate. Gordon said the replication of previous high-school designs has historically saved the district “in excess of $3,000,000” and may have been closer to $6,000,000 on some materials presented during levy planning.

Board members asked whether the district could change design or construction firms between the design phase and any later construction contract; staff said the district retains the option to engage a different manager or contractor once design documents are complete, though building-code updates could be required if the project is delayed.

The board approved the amendment as part of the superintendent consent items. The item was presented as a cost-saving, preparatory step tied to a previously passed resolution of necessity that would allow the district to place a bond issue on the ballot in the future if it chooses.