Committee moves forward on ad hoc secondary‑school planning team; finalists, contract step next

The Finance & Resource Committee reviewed a proposal July 16 to form an ad hoc committee for secondary‑school planning and to retain construction‑management and facility‑assessment services for four secondary schools. Staff said the district wants an updated facilities assessment (the existing assessment dates to 2022) and a team to help with concept modeling, cost estimating and community engagement if further referendum work proceeds.

Committee materials showed four firms submitted proposals; staff told the committee that BJS and Finworth "rose to the top" in scoring. Staff said Finworth has been tentatively notified as the committee’s selection and that staff are drafting a contract covering planning work, time with the ad hoc committee, pre‑referendum services and an updated facility assessment. Staff also noted that, while fees were generally similar across firms, some firms proposed lower percentage fees or fee waivers in later phases; packet materials flagged one displayed fee entry staff said they would double‑check.

Staff described next steps as following the district’s normal procurement sequence with additional board discussion in August; the ad hoc committee would provide more detailed recommendations and updated project lists for the board to consider.

Committee members asked about fee comparisons and community‑engagement capacity; staff cited finalist experience with high‑school–age buildings of similar vintage as part of the rationale for the tentative choice.

The committee will review contract language and return to the board for further action in upcoming meetings.