Linda Lyon
Progress continues on the bond projects at the Oracle School District (OSD). After the issuance and advertisement of a Request for Qualifications for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Pre-construction and Construction Services for the new classroom addition and library renovations, the District held a pre-submittal conference and walk-through where six firms attended. Three firms then submitted, and the District’s CMAR Selection Committee, consisting of District staff and a representative from BWS Architects, and a licensed local contractor, evaluated them using the criteria listed in the request for quote (RFQ). The Governing Board was asked to approve the winning firm, Chasse Building Team, at their Oct. 16 board meeting, and did so unanimously.
Chasse Building Team will serve as the CMAR for Phase 1 of the capital bond project, which includes construction of a new classroom building, demolition of the Bateman building, renovation and extension to the library, renovation of the kitchen, renovation and ADA upgrades to student restrooms, adjustments to the cafeteria to create a performance-friendly environment, safety upgrades at the entrance to our campus, and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) replacement. At this same meeting, the Governing Board approved the proposed architecture and engineering fees for BWS Architects for all three phases of the project, as well as additional projects the District secured funding for from the Arizona School Facilities Board.
Now that all three design and construction partners are on-board and the master site plan is approved, the District is on-track for actual construction beginning in 2021. Throughout the process, the Governing Board is verifying that funding is spent only on that which was approved by the voters, and that all procurement processes are followed. The Board is of course, also laser-focused on ensuring end results produce a safer campus for all and a better learning environment for our students.