Board approves CMAR changes, selects Lee Lewis for major bond projects

The San Angelo ISD board approved two construction‑management actions intended to streamline multiple bond projects and preserve schedule flexibility. After hearing from KFW Architects and bond staff about the complexity of Fannin’s multi‑phased work, trustees voted 6–0 to change the delivery method for the Fannin project from a Competitive Sealed Proposal to Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR). KFW said CMAR will allow early contractor pricing and help manage swing‑space and sequencing when work affects occupied facilities.

Separately, the board approved RFQ25‑021 to hire Lee Lewis Construction as CMAR for Glenn Middle School, Central High School and Lakeview High School. Administration said the scoring committee ranked Lee Lewis first on all projects and that a single contractor for the three projects offered estimated cost savings — roughly $800,000 compared with the second‑ranked bidder on one combination scenario and about $1.8 million when compared across all projects in scoring — plus advantages in portfolio experience and staff capacity.

Board discussion touched on tradeoffs: CMAR can require preconstruction fees and may raise near‑term price proposals but staff argued the method yields better value for complex, phased projects. Trustees said timely selection was important to keep the bond schedule on track and to enable contractor input on permitting and phasing.

Next steps: staff will execute CMAR contracts and proceed with CMAR‑led preconstruction work and permitting; the board expects continued bond oversight via the bond‑oversight committee and proposed public dashboard to track expenditures and project status.