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Fowler Middle School soil findings force redesign and add millions to bond project estimates, district says
Summary
Geotechnical studies at Fowler Middle School found unstable soils requiring deep soil mixing (estimated 30–35 ft) and a reconfiguration that could add roughly $9 million to the project; district staff said designers and contractors were tasked to find redesigns to bring the project back to budget.
District staff told the Tigard‑Tualatin School District board on June 22 that geotechnical work at Fowler Middle School revealed unstable soils requiring deep soil mixing and a change to the gymplan.
Director Monte said the project is roughly 50% through design development when the geotechnical report identified soil stability problems that will likely require deep soil mixing to about 30–35 feet. That mitigation significantly alters the structural approach; the design team advised the district it may no longer be feasible to keep the existing gym structure and now anticipates building a new gym with reconfiguration, which adds cost.
The district's current estimate for deep soil mixing and related gym reconfiguration is roughly $9 million (staff noted that estimate may be low). The project was already trending above budget before the soils finding; the board directed the design team and general contractor to pursue cost‑reduction strategies and alternative construction approaches (for example, changing structural materials) to return the project to budget.
Monte stressed the process is common in the region and pointed to other Portland‑area projects that used deep soil mixing successfully. He said that with the planned mitigation the school will meet code requirements, including seismic performance for schools, and that the district will continue to seek options to limit the budget impact.
Separately, bond work across the district continues: restroom projects are underway, HVAC and roof work are in progress at several elementary schools, and field and bleacher projects have begun; some equipment lead times (Tiger High HVAC units) were noted as delayed into the fall or next year. The district said four elementary remodels are moving to construction documentation with permits targeted for January 2027.
Board members asked for clarity on safety; staff confirmed the soil remediation will bring the site to required seismic and code standards. The board did not take a formal vote on the design changes during the meeting but directed staff to pursue redesign options and budget reconciliation.
