Brenham ISD hears bond program kickoff from Rice & Gardner; manager flags potential code, asbestos costs

Rice & Gardner principal-in-charge Eric Pasquale told the Brenham ISD board the firm began work after the contract was signed on May 12 and has completed initial campus walk-throughs and scope-validation meetings.

"Slow down, hurry up," Pasquale said of the team’s approach, describing a goal of moving quickly while avoiding costly mistakes. He said the team has developed scope sheets, begun site visits and is collecting data to produce an executable plan with schedules and costs.

Pasquale warned trustees that some repairs could trigger additional code requirements that expand scope and cost—for example, replacing major mechanical equipment can prompt ADA upgrades or uncover hazardous materials. "If we start changing some things in a building, it may trigger code issues that have costs associated to it," he said, adding that asbestos or water damage in older buildings could create further expenses.

Superintendent Clay Guillentine and trustees pressed for specifics on what could be accomplished over the summer and whether the team would produce a prioritized 30–60 day list. Pasquale said the team will finish remaining walkthroughs this week and expects to provide more detailed short-term priorities once scope validation is complete. He said procurement and bidding plans will follow design-team contracts and scope finalization.

The presentation emphasized transparent communication with the community and permitting officials, and recommended careful sequencing to avoid creating secondary issues (for instance, HVAC changes that affect building humidity if exterior envelope problems remain). The district will review designer recommendations and budget pricing before returning to the board with recommended next steps.