Kingsport board approves architect agreement for Dobyns‑Bennett interior renovation

The Kingsport City Schools Board voted to hire Thompson Litton Architects to design an interior renovation at Dobyns‑Bennett High School, approving a $193,475 lump‑sum design fee and up to $14,000 in reimbursable expenses.

Board member Mister Fry described the project as comprehensive, covering "all 4 of the academic pods, the corridors connecting them, the ramps connecting those," and said the estimated construction cost is about $2,828,500. He said the architect's proposal includes a $193,475 fee "and some additional reimbursable expenses ... of $14,000."

The renovation scope, Fry said, includes replacing worn floor coverings, correcting fire door connections between old and new buildings, renovating an old office lobby, adding several classrooms in pod areas and addressing a stairway that currently had safety tape. Fry told the board the district has "a little over $3,000,000 in an account to fund this project."

Board members asked about procurement timing and reimbursements. Fry explained the $14,000 represents expenses the district will reimburse to the architect and said the design work will require a couple of months before the district can issue bids. "We'll send it out to you in late March, early April," he said, with the goal of opening bids in May and starting construction after Memorial Day if funding and approvals are aligned.

The board moved and seconded the contract authorization at the meeting and the chair announced the motion passed.

The agreement approved covers design services only; the board did not vote on a construction contract at this meeting. Next steps described by staff include completing design documents, issuing competitive bids, and returning to the board for contract awards.