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Smithfield committee approves Colliers OPM agreement to accelerate high school repairs
Summary
The Smithfield School Committee approved an owner's project manager (OPM) agreement with Colliers to advance design and prioritized emergency repairs at Smithfield High School; the motion included a cost authorization described in the transcript with inconsistent figures that the committee must clarify with staff.
The Smithfield School Committee voted Dec. 16 to approve an owner's project manager agreement with Colliers intended to carry the district through design phases and allow immediate work on two emergency projects at Smithfield High School.
The motion to approve the OPM agreement was made by Speaker 2 and seconded; after an amendment discussion the committee approved the motion by voice vote. Superintendent (speaker labeled '3' in the transcript) told the committee the agreement was adjusted to cover stage 1 (program/design) and stage 2 as well as the ability to pivot quickly to stage 3 for emergency construction work so renovations could begin on an accelerated timetable.
Why it matters: Committee leaders said the changes would allow an architect to be selected ahead of winter break and position the district to begin renovations in the spring/summer window, including relocating a special education room into the library to create a more inclusive setting, renovating spaces now used by the IT department, and beginning culinary program upgrades necessary for CTE culinary certification.
Details and cost figures: During the motion-and-amendment exchange the transcript records two different cost references. Speaker 3 asked to amend to include approval "including the cost, which would be a $215,000 plus reimbursables." Speaker 2 then stated a figure read in the meeting as "$25,015,000 dollars plus reimbursables." The meeting record indicates a revised motion was made and approved by voice vote, but the transcript does not clearly reconcile those two figures. The committee recorded the voice vote as "ayes have it."
Committee comments: Members praised the accelerated approach as long overdue and emphasized the need to address larger facility needs at the middle and high school after years with limited updates. The presiding speaker noted that some work (for example, culinary flooring and drain installation) can only be done during extended school breaks and must be scheduled in summer months.
Next steps: The motion will go to the town council for its approval (as described in the meeting) before the district can initiate the accelerated schedule and architect selection.
