Board debates pace and scope of West Grant gym project; construction manager and bundling options discussed

Board members discussed next steps for the West Grant High School gym project after the superintendent reported meeting with Studio KLP and athletic directors and collecting more detailed program information.

Several members asked whether other West campus needs — including air‑conditioning for the third floor, electrical upgrades, plumbing repairs and interior door replacements — should be bundled with the gym work to achieve economies of scale. One board member noted larger projects can increase savings through bulk purchasing and longer contractor engagements.

The timing and process for naming a construction manager (and an architect) were debated. One director urged naming a construction manager and architect by the board meeting on Dec. 15 and said he would like the item placed on that meeting's agenda. The superintendent said the original plan was to select the 'Centimeters' (term used in the transcript) first and have them assess all needs and that she would seek to have that contract ready for a vote on Dec. 15.

A board member pressed for faster action, saying the district has already been displaced from Scranton High School for about a year 'because we can't have our meetings at Scranton High because they don't have lights' and worried students could be without access to facilities for two to three years if work is delayed. The board discussed calling a special meeting after reorganization to accelerate selection of a construction manager.

Staff flagged related vendor‑relations work to bring forward copier contracts and other procurement items; the solicitor will address contract language prior to bringing those matters to the board.