District presents administration‑building renovation plan; design fee proposed at about $265,000

District facilities staff presented a design proposal from Barton Associates for renovations at the Gettysburg Area School District administration building, covering HVAC, IT upgrades, lighting and limited architectural work. The presentation described a proposed design fee of roughly 6.5% of construction costs and an overall project budget estimated near $4.6 million.

A district staff member identified as Josh summarized the proposal: Barton’s design fee would be based on eventual construction costs and is estimated to amount to about $265,000. The presentation showed an estimated construction cost of about $4.1 million and noted additional soft costs—moving costs, commissioning, permit fees and construction administration—bringing the total project budget to roughly $4.6 million. The scope emphasized HVAC renovation similar to work performed recently at district schools, IT and electrical upgrades, and minor office and lighting changes.

Josh said the administration intends to seek board action on a design contract at the next board meeting so design work can begin; construction was targeted for the summer of the following year (not the coming summer). Board members asked whether funding would come from bond construction funds; staff answered that the project would be covered by bond construction funds already available to the district.

No contract action was taken at the meeting; the administration said it will bring the Barton Associates contract for formal approval at a future meeting after finalizing scope and contract language.