District hears $4M–$5M cost estimate for high-school security entrance; grant application due Feb. 24

Patrick Johnson, the architect presenting the high school security-entrance plan, told the Fort Morgan School Board the preferred design and associated ancillary work add up to a project in the $4 million to $5 million range.

Johnson said the price is a range because estimates still include unknowns such as asbestos abatement and soft costs like design fees and furniture. "If you did all of these items, which are being recommended because they all make sense and make the school better and safer and accessible, you're in a 4 to $5,000,000 total project amount," Johnson said (Patrick Johnson).

The board asked specific questions about controlled entry points and ADA access. Johnson described a plan that would move most daily visitor traffic to a lower-level entry from the student parking lot and keep the River View doors primarily for after-hours events. He noted an interior lift as an ADA accommodation and offered a lower-cost alternative: removing noncompliant ramps and using stairs for guest access to reduce scope and avoid installing an interior lift.

Mike Lee, the district CFO, clarified how the local financial obligation would be handled if the grant awarded only partial funding. Lee said financing a local match would likely be serviced by the general fund rather than new revenue, meaning the district would pay from existing cash flow rather than a separate tax stream (Mike Lee).

Johnson also urged the board to review grant-match options with the state. "You can ask the state for a waiver and ask them to contribute more than their set match, but you have to justify what that is," he said (Patrick Johnson).

Next steps: staff will finalize application language with CDE guidance and return with refined costs and options that fit the board’s target contribution before the Feb. 24 grant deadline.