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Hardee County School Board selects Harvard Jolly as top firm from RFQ
Summary
At a Jan. 27 special session the Hardee County School Board unanimously approved the committee—hoice of Harvard Jolly as the most qualified firm in an RFQ for architectural services; next steps include notifying firms, securing a site and working on initial funding.
The Hardee County School Board on Jan. 27, 2025, voted unanimously in a special session to approve the selection of Harvard Jolly as the most qualified respondent to a request for qualifications (RFQ) for architectural services.
The decision matters because the selection starts the district—apital-project planning process: the board will notify the selected firm and the other respondents, proceed with an initial funding group, confirm a project site and pursue required surveys and special funding approvals.
Board member Stacy Cornell moved to approve the committee—hoice and board member Stacy Dasher seconded the motion. Committee member Carl Kroll, who led the selection committee, told the board the RFQ opened and responses were tabulated in mid-January and that Harvard Jolly emerged as "the most qualified according to the committee." He said the committee followed up with phone interviews, reference checks and a second meeting to clarify questions before making its recommendation. "I'll notify them and notify all the other seven people who sent in qualifications, and we can get started with getting this process going with the initial funding group," Kroll said.
Cornell explained why the district used an RFQ. "State statute does not allow you to go out and request for a quote from an engineering or architectural firm. The only way you can work with an architectural firm is through an RFQ," she said. Committee members said they sent RFQ packages to 16 firms and received eight responses. The committee met after receiving submissions on Jan. 15, conducted follow-up phone interviews for two firms and reconvened on Jan. 22 to finalize evaluations.
Board members thanked the committee for reviewing qualifications. Kroll said the committee has requested a survey from the Department of Education, which he reported was completed the day of the meeting. He said the next administrative steps include selecting a site and confirming its availability; he added that Harvard Jolly is familiar with special funding sources and is expected to assist the district through those next steps.
During roll call the board voted individually because member Dr. Stacy Sharp attended by phone. Dr. Sharp voted "aye," followed by votes from Cornell ("aye"), a member identified as Mr. Smith ("aye"), a member identified as Miss Marie ("aye") and the presiding member ("aye"). The motion passed unanimously.
Legal counsel Ross commented that the board appeared to have followed the relevant policy procedures during its consideration, citing the policy manual section the counsel referenced. With no public comment and no further business on the item, the board adjourned the special session.
The administration noted Jan. is School Board Appreciation Month and thanked board members for their service. The board also reported ongoing school data conversations at two schools this week.
