Board approves $11.75 million architect and engineering contract for Interlake High School renovation

The Bellevue School District board on Tuesday approved an $11,753,589 architect and engineering contract to advance a comprehensive renovation and addition at Interlake High School.

The contract, recommended by district capital-projects staff, will fund planning and design work for a project that has grown from an original classroom-addition concept into a full renovation. The expanded scope includes a new full-size gym, new music classrooms, three additional science labs, 16 core classrooms, a robotics lab, enclosed single-building circulation, upgraded locker rooms and athletic facilities, new greenhouses and horticulture/ STEM spaces, and a major civil project to improve on-site parking and queuing. District staff told the board the work will be paid from previously voter-approved bond funds and that savings and project sequencing have allowed the district to increase the Interlake budget.

Cindy King, director of capital projects, told directors the master-planning process identified deficiencies beyond the original portable replacement and HVAC/oxygen issues, and that the project team prioritized accessibility, security, and instructional spaces. "We identified even more needs," King said, describing failing auxiliary facilities for horticulture, insufficient music classrooms, and parking and circulation problems the city would require the district to correct whether or not the district widened the project.

Board members asked about sustainability and operations. Director Webster asked whether the district will track operational savings from geothermal wells and solar arrays; staff said they will work to provide year-over-year savings estimates after construction. Directors also pressed for improved elevator reliability and for stronger vendor performance requirements; staff said specifications are being revised to require bidders demonstrate capacity to maintain elevators and to disclose timeframes for service.

In discussion about parking and permitting, staff reported they had an initial pre-application meeting with the city and were told school projects are being prioritized; staff and the city will coordinate scheduling and permitting timelines. The horticulture program will be moved into secure, indoor STEM classrooms with new greenhouses and hydroponic capacity, staff said.

The board moved and seconded the contract award and approved it by voice vote; directors indicated "aye" and the motion passed.

Project funding and approvals: board members confirmed the work will be funded from the voter-approved capital bond. Staff said they will provide the master-plan report and further documentation on budget changes and scheduling to the board following the vote. The board also asked staff to return with a plan for tracking energy and operational savings tied to the project27s sustainability features.

What happens next: staff will proceed with architect and engineering work under the contracted firm, complete final design documents for permitting, and return to the board with contract amendments, schedule milestones, and estimated lifecycle savings as the design-to-permit work progresses.