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Sumner board accepts design development and value‑engineering report for new Tahali middle school
Summary
Architects presented a three‑story design for the Tahali middle school and reported about $2.3 million in value‑engineering savings; the board accepted the independent value analysis so the district can pursue state matching funds under the School Construction Assistance Program.
The Sumner School District board on June 16 accepted the design development package and the independent value‑engineering report for the new Tahali middle school, a step district staff said is required to secure state construction matching funds.
Grace Kim and Chris Stamon of McGranahan PBK presented the three‑story school design, showing a separated bus and parent drop‑off, extended roof overhangs, a glued‑free dowel‑laminated timber roof in the commons for improved indoor air quality and acoustics, and outdoor social courts adjacent to the commons. The team described material inspiration tied to local mountain and regional architectural character and said levels one through three will concentrate different program types from gyms and music to libraries and classrooms.
The presenters also reviewed an independent value analysis — a state‑required review between schematic design and design development — that examined systems, materials, energy efficiency and constructability. The project team reported about $2.3 million in identified savings, “a lot of that had to do with foundation and earthwork,” and stated the scheme is currently under the district’s design‑development budget, leaving funds available for other needs after budget finalization.
Board members discussed the report and then approved Resolution 2925‑26 accepting the independent value‑engineering report. District staff said acceptance is an essential procedural requirement under WAC 39 392 343080 to pursue School Construction Assistance Program matching funds and to progress toward OSPI Form D7 approval.
The presentation included next steps: the design team will transition from design development into construction documents and the board noted a separate future resolution will request contract authorization for construction once bidding and MAC (maximum allowable construction cost) processes are complete. The architects said additional design refinements will be documented in construction documents and that value‑analysis savings will be integrated into the final cost model.
Board acceptance does not itself authorize construction spending; it clears a state procedural hurdle so the district can continue to pursue state funding and finalize the construction contracting steps.
