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Board approves staff recommendation to begin contract talks with LaChase Construction for new elementary school
Summary
Orange County Schools staff recommended LaChase Construction (with SGS Contracting) as the preferred construction manager‑at‑risk for a new elementary school; the board authorized staff to enter contract negotiations and scheduled follow‑up at a finance and capital planning meeting.
Orange County Schools staff on Monday recommended LaChase Construction, in partnership with SGS Contracting, as the preferred construction manager‑at‑risk (CMAR) for the district's planned new elementary school, and the board voted to authorize staff to begin contract negotiations.
Melanie Gartrell, the district's director of construction and capital planning, told the board the CMAR delivery method brings the construction manager into the project earlier to help align programming, schematic design and cost estimating. Gartrell summarized the RFQ and interview process: the district received 12 qualification packages, shortlisted four firms for interviews (May 7), and weighed candidates on preconstruction expertise, cost management and K‑12 experience. “Our recommended firm for entering into contract negotiations is LaChase Construction and SGS Contracting,” Gartrell said, noting the team’s local ties and public‑engagement capabilities.
Board members asked about joint‑venture teams, past K‑12 projects and how the CMAR model improves cost transparency. Gartrell said the selection committee prioritized firms with preconstruction strength and the ability to break packages into manageable work scopes to meet schedule and budget goals. The board approved a motion to allow staff to enter contract negotiations; the motion passed by voice vote. The presentation noted a follow‑up finance and capital planning meeting on May 27, 2026 to continue oversight of the procurement.
The district framed the CMAR choice as part of a multi‑step delivery: architect and project manager are already selected, and the construction manager will refine estimates at schematic design and lead preconstruction coordination. Gartrell told the board the team also factored firms’ track records in recruiting subcontractors and supporting historically underutilized business participation.
Next steps: staff will conduct contract negotiations with LaChase/SGS and return to board oversight and the finance and capital planning committee for additional review; no final construction contract was signed at this meeting.
