Dorchester 2 board approves RFQs for large Knightsville Elementary addition and architecture services
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Summary
Trustees approved requests for qualifications for construction-management and architectural services for a major Knightsville Elementary renovation and addition expected to add about 25 classrooms (plus 10 at Reeves in related work), funding work in part with referendum/TIF dollars; board voted to approve both RFQs.
Board members voted to approve the district’s recommended firms to solicit construction-management at-risk and architectural/engineering contracts for a major addition and renovation at Knightsville Elementary.
Miss Meunier, who presented the packet recommendation, said the evaluation committee provided a short list of firms for construction management at risk and for architectural services. Superintendent Doherty described the scope of work: "we're basically... going to add almost, you're looking at 25 classrooms at Knightsville," and said the district also plans to add 10 classrooms at Reeves, roughly equivalent to an elementary school when considered together.
The board discussed logistics and student displacement. Doherty said adult-education programs currently housed in trailers would move out so students could be placed in those temporary "learning cottages" while construction proceeds. The superintendent and facilities staff told trustees the district would later return with a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) and a final construction contract for board approval; the RFQ approvals authorize the district to proceed with firm selection and negotiate GMPs.
Funding and timing: The superintendent said the work will be funded by referendum dollars and TIF in certain locations and acknowledged inflationary cost pressures; the district will present a GMP once a firm is selected. Trustees asked about contractors' experience working on active campuses; the superintendent said those requirements were part of the evaluation.
Board vote: Trustees voted to approve the RFQ for construction services and, in a separate vote, the RFQ for architectural services. Both motions carried with the board recording votes of 6 in favor and 1 absent.
Next steps: District staff will return with recommended firms, GMPs and final contracts; construction sequencing, temporary classrooms and final timelines will be provided when those contracts are presented.