Jefferson County School Board approves up to $75,000 to hire firm for Jefferson Elementary renovation estimate

The Jefferson County School Board voted 5–1 to hire Blankenship and Partners to prepare a detailed, itemized cost and timeline estimate for renovating Jefferson Elementary, authorizing up to $75,000 from the general fund balance (Fund 141).

Why it matters: County commissioners have said they will not consider funding a new school without accurate renovation numbers. Board members said the estimate is intended to give the county a defensible figure and to move the issue forward after years of stalled discussion.

Edson, a board member who introduced the vendor, said he had asked the contractor whether it could prepare the scope. "We would love to do this. If you wanted, let us give you the estimate," he said, adding that the contractor had lined up subcontractors for HVAC and related work. He told the board the firm estimated producing the detailed report would likely cost "between 50 and 70,000."

Several board members pushed back on the process. One board member said the district should have issued an RFQ and solicited competing proposals for such a major project rather than selecting a single firm without a competitive process. That member said the board should first seek quotes for what it would cost to get a reliable estimate.

Board members also raised risk that a renovation estimate could miss underlying structural problems. "What would we do if they say we can remodel for $15,000,000 and then find out it's going to cost $30,000,000?" one board member asked, noting the county commissioners had already approved $15 million for a related project and that further funds would be required if costs rose.

Staff told the board the motion needed a funding source so the budget office could prepare a budget amendment. In response, a board member moved to amend the motion to specify a maximum of $75,000 to come from the general fund balance (Fund 141). The amendment clarified the maximum and funding line for the budget process.

The amendment passed 5–1 by voice/hand vote. The board then approved the amended motion 5–1 to select Blankenship and Partners to produce the itemized estimate and timeline for renovating Jefferson Elementary. Staff said the contract and any required budget amendment will go through the normal procurement and budget procedures.

The board adjourned after the vote.