Colin reported on Jan. 14 that the Valley Elementary School project is moving into Stage 3 design steps: Newport Water requires a new water‑service design that the team expects to complete by the end of the month, and the first OAC meeting with Bentley has started summer 2026 preplanning that will prioritize the nurses’ suite, first‑floor bathrooms and the elevator shaft.

Colin said the next OAC meeting will be held onsite during February vacation to walk the site with district staff and the design team. Donna Sweet and other school staff were invited to participate in the walking meeting to help the consultants understand operational needs and circulation during construction.

On the Forest Avenue Elementary project, Colin told the committee that Stage 3 submission requirements and scope have not been finalized. The Colliers design team and Bridal will review the general scope of work, funding and potential target dates for submission. Committee members emphasized that the final scope will depend on design‑team direction and that some projects under $500,000 may be handled through a simplified procurement pathway.

Why it matters: water‑service work and Stage 3 design definitions determine schedule, permitting needs and budget implications. The committee requested site walkthrough participation and asked staff to provide clearer scope materials and sample placement of graphics and memorials where relevant.

What comes next: Colliers, Bentley and Bridal will continue Stage 3 discussions; staff will share meeting notes and any sample wall/graphic locations in a future meeting.