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Board approves negotiating with two architecture firms for Hailey Elementary planning and facility projects
Summary
After reviewing four RFQ responses, the district’s evaluation committee recommended two firms — Design West and Hummel Architects — as top choices. Trustees authorized staff to negotiate pricing and assign projects to the firms based on fit and availability.
The Blaine County School District No. 61 Board of Trustees authorized staff April 14 to negotiate pricing with two architecture firms — Design West and Hummel Architects — after an RFQ to support potential Hailey Elementary rebuild work and upcoming plant/levy facility projects.
District staff said four proposals were received and an evaluation committee of administrators independently scored each submission using a rubric that considered firm experience in Idaho, project approach, licenses, staffing and past K‑12 projects. Two firms rose to the top; staff recommended negotiating terms with both and assigning individual projects according to each firm’s strengths and availability. Trustees asked clarifying questions about the rubric, past projects, and how architects support non‑building projects such as HVAC and roofing; staff explained architects typically contract and coordinate with engineers and construction teams and are paid a percentage fee based on project cost.
Trustees approved the motion to negotiate with both firms by voice vote. The administration said it will negotiate fees and scopes and return with project assignments. The decision is part of preparatory work tied to potential future levy activity and any eventual capital project timeline.
