Rockingham County Schools' board gave staff the go‑ahead to issue requests for qualifications for a project manager and for design‑build teams to lead the planned Reidsville elementary replacement, after facilities counsel recommended a design‑build delivery and an owner’s representative.

Board action: Trustees voted to move a facilities report to action and authorized issuance of RFQs for a project manager (owner’s representative) and for design‑build teams, following counsel’s recommendation. The timetable presented by staff calls for posting RFQs immediately, pre‑proposal meetings in January and interviews and selections in February–March 2026.

Why design‑build: County counsel and the facilities committee argued that design‑build keeps architect and contractor aligned under a single contract, improves constructability early in the process, reduces change orders and shortens the schedule — priorities for a large, time‑sensitive school construction project. The board asked staff to prioritize hiring a project manager first so that the owner’s representative can participate in design‑team selection.

Budget and next steps: The board expects the project manager procurement to cost in the mid‑six figures across the program (roughly $200,000–$400,000 estimated for the full project‑management contract). RFQs will be posted and responses due on a firm timeline; shortlisted teams will be interviewed and an intent to award is targeted in March.

Quotes: “Having the owner’s rep on board before you pick your team is really important,” counsel said, adding that the rep can catch costly mistakes early.

What happens next: Staff will post RFQs and begin the procurement process; the board will receive interviews, scoring and recommended awards on the schedule presented.