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Board selects architects, authorizes CMAR RFQ and public‑engagement consultant as part of facility and safety planning
Summary
The board authorized negotiation with selected architecture firms, issued procurement steps for a CMAR and a public‑engagement consultant, and adopted the regional hazard‑mitigation plan as part of advancing a facilities improvement and bond‑planning process.
The Board of Education authorized the district to negotiate contracts with selected architectural firms and to begin procurement work for construction management and public engagement as the district advances a facilities improvement and voter bond planning process.
The board approved the selection of Paragon Architecture and Perkins and Will for project package 1 (proposed addition of an academic wing at Clayton High School) and for project package 3 (renovation or reconstruction of the three elementary schools). The board also approved ELDD Architects for project package 2 (athletic facilities improvements at Clayton High School and Wydown Middle School) and authorized administration to negotiate contracts with clear scopes and fees. Board members were explicit that negotiated contracts will return to the board for final approval.
The board authorized issuance of a request for qualifications (RFQ) for a construction manager at risk (CMAR) and a request for proposals (RFP) for a public‑engagement consultant. District staff said the CMAR will evaluate constructability and manage budgets; the public‑engagement firm will design an informational campaign in advance of a potential bond election (the district noted it is prohibited from conducting a campaign advocating a yes vote but can inform voters about proposals).
Separately, the board approved a resolution adopting the 2025–2030 St. Louis Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, a document the district said is required by state guidance and the regional council. Board members discussed small wording inconsistencies in the plan’s text and confirmed the plan had already been reviewed by East‑West Gateway and the State Emergency Management Agency.
Board members raised tornado‑response and sheltering questions given the district’s recent tornado experience. Staff described facility repairs underway and said architects will evaluate district‑wide storm‑shelter needs, including Gay Field and athletic facilities. Staff noted some gymnasiums and field‑house spaces could be configured as FEMA‑compliant shelters, and warned that full sheltering capacity for large events (for example, hundreds of spectators at a track meet) may exceed current safe‑room capacity.
Why it matters: The actions are an early phase of the district’s long‑range facilities plan and anticipated bond planning for April 2026. Architectural selections, CMAR procurement and a public‑engagement strategy are steps toward drafting project designs and informing voters about facility proposals. The hazard mitigation adoption formally aligns the district with regional emergency‑planning guidance.
The motions passed by voice vote; contracts and consultant agreements will return to the board for approval.
