Sequim School District Advancing $146 Million Construction Projects

News Summary

The Sequim School District is partnering with The Wenaha Group for managing construction projects totaling $146 million, following a successful bond approval from voters. This initiative includes building a new Helen Haller Elementary School and upgrading Sequim High School. With significant community support, these projects seek to enhance educational facilities while addressing safety and infrastructure concerns. The district aims to involve a design advisory committee to ensure community engagement throughout the process.

Sequim School District Moves Forward with $146 Million Construction Projects

The Sequim School District is in discussions with The Wenaha Group to manage the construction of various projects totaling $146 million, which received strong support from voters in a recent special election. The approved bond will facilitate improvements and new developments over a time frame of more than two decades.

Major Projects Include New Schools and Upgrades

This ambitious initiative includes the construction of a new Helen Haller Elementary School, alongside a new wing at Sequim High School. These projects reflect the district’s commitment to enhancing educational facilities. In addition, a significant focus will be on building a Career Technical Education (CTE) building, which has garnered separate funding of $5 million thanks to a generous donation from a community member.

Support and Expertise from The Wenaha Group

The school board has unanimously backed the move to partner with The Wenaha Group, following a recommendation from Superintendent Regan Nickels. A Source Selection Committee worked diligently to evaluate potential partners, narrowing the field from four respondents down to two finalists: Wenaha and Vanir Construction. Wenaha’s previous experience managing capital projects for the district was a significant factor in this decision.

Experience Matters in Construction Management

The district’s facilities director has emphasized the necessity of collaborating with an experienced firm to ensure timely progress with the state’s Project Review Committee (PRC). Wenaha’s role will encompass a variety of responsibilities, including project planning, scheduling, procurement assistance, and compliance with grant funding requirements. They will oversee the construction of multiple upgrades at both Sequim High and various elementary schools.

Timelines and Strategies for Project Completion

The timeline for these developments varies; larger construction projects may take up to 2.5 years to commence, while smaller initiatives could potentially begin sooner, contingent upon district schedules and feedback from the PRC. Should negotiations with Wenaha fail, state law requires that the district restart the selection process, which aims to ensure the best fit for these extensive projects.

Future Planning and Design Considerations

The district is also considering a progressive design-build strategy to enhance cost certainty and expedite project delivery. This approach may involve selecting separate architectural teams for different projects, which could foster competitive bidding and ultimately lead to better outcomes for the community.

Bond Approval and Community Support

The bond proposition secured a resounding 65.6% approval rate from voters, translating to 9,256 yes votes. Community support underscores the urgency of addressing safety and infrastructure concerns at schools like Helen Haller Elementary and Sequim High School. District officials firmly believe that constructing new facilities is often more cost-effective when compared to extensive renovations of outdated ones.

Addressing Key Issues for Student Safety

Current conditions at the existing schools raise various concerns, including issues related to electrical systems, power supply, sewer connections, and water infrastructure. Additionally, there are proposals to integrate safety measures, such as installing vestibules at entrance points to enhance security.

Community Involvement and Updates

A design advisory committee will play a crucial role in guiding the selection of architectural teams after the bond’s approval. The district aims to keep the public informed about construction progress, with updates regularly posted on the district’s bond program website.

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Additional Resources

• Peninsula Daily News: Sequim Schools Eye Bond Timeline
• Google Search: Sequim School District
• Peninsula Daily News: Ballots for Sequim Schools Bond Levy
• Wikipedia: School Bond
• My Clallam County: Million-Dollar Donation Kick-Starts CTE Project
• Google News: Sequim Elementary School
• Peninsula Daily News: Sequim School District Leaders Celebrate Results
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Public School