Northwest Local board approves architecture negotiations for high-school addition; construction bids to follow

The Northwest Local Board of Education voted Feb. 24 to enter contract negotiations with the top-ranked architecture firm for a planned high-school addition and to continue the competitive process to select a construction company.

Superintendent (speaker 5) outlined the project scope, saying the addition will include weight rooms, a wrestling room, a greenhouse to support science curriculum and expanded storage for band and choir. "We hope that the debris will come in October '25, and the completion of the entire project will be hopefully, will be, '26," the superintendent said. The board was told the new spaces are intended both for athletic programs and daytime wellness and class offerings.

Treasurer (speaker 2) described the district's RFQ process: three architecture firms submitted statements of qualifications; a five-person panel reviewed and ranked the proposals and negotiated pricing and timeline with the top-ranked firm. The treasurer said the selected firm submitted a pricing proposal and that the district negotiated contract terms before bringing the item to the board.

The resolution approved on Feb. 24 authorizes the district to finalize negotiations with the architecture firm and continue RFPs for a shortlisted group of construction firms, with the aim of approving a builder at the March board meeting. The treasurer said the architecture firm and the construction group will collaborate on detailed drawings and specifications once selected.

Board members thanked district staff and community volunteers for their work on the selection process and asked that detailed plans and timelines be shared with the board and public as they become available.

Next steps: staff will continue RFPs for construction, and the board expects to consider a construction award at its March meeting.