School board authorizes $759,130 design contract for Palisades World Language School addition

The Lake Oswego School Board voted to authorize the execution of a $759,130 design contract with Soderstrom Architects for an addition and renovation project at Palisades World Language School.

Mister Vanderskard, who presented the proposal to the board, said the district “arrived at the amount of $759,130 as the contract amount, for their design services for this project,” and described the plan as an addition of approximately six classrooms plus interior modifications to expand a library and create extended learning areas and a learning center.

Board members asked for schedule and operational details. Vanderskard said the district expects to begin construction in the summer of 2027 and that the work will span a full school year with construction activity bookended by two summers to limit disruption. He also described a site reconfiguration to separate buses and parent drop-off to improve arrival and dismissal safety.

Director Bills moved to authorize the clerk “to execute a contract with Soderstrom Architects in the amount of $759,130 for the architectural design services for the Palisades World Language School addition project.” The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Procurement and scope details in the presentation note that six design firms submitted qualifications and Soderstrom was top-ranked following the district’s selection process. The contract is for schematic and design phases; future construction pricing and bid awards will be brought back to the board for separate approval.