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 Partners with The Wenaha Group for Major Construction Projects

The Sequim School District is currently in negotiations with The Wenaha Group to manage the construction of several projects totaling $146 million, as approved by voters in a recent special election. These ambitious projects, designed to enhance educational facilities, will unfold over the next 20 years.

The primary undertakings include the construction of a brand new Helen Haller Elementary School and an additional wing at Sequim High School. Furthermore, the plans feature a new Career Technical Education (CTE) building, which aims to equip students with essential job skills for future employment.

The move to partner with The Wenaha Group, which previously managed a capital projects levy for the school district in 2021, was unanimously endorsed by the school board after a recommendation from Superintendent Regan Nickels. The decision came following the work of a Source Selection Committee that reviewed several candidates and narrowed them down to two firms: Wenaha and Vanir Construction.

Importance of Experience in Project Management

Mike Santos, the district’s facilities director, highlighted the need for an experienced construction management firm to navigate the complexities of the state’s Project Review Committee (PRC). The Wenaha Group will assume various responsibilities, including project planning, scheduling, and procurement assistance. Additionally, they will ensure compliance with grant funding requirements, which is vital for the successful completion of these projects.

The Wenaha Group’s oversight will extend to multiple construction projects, which also encompass upgrades across the district’s elementary schools and Sequim High. Larger projects are anticipated to take up to 2.5 years to break ground, while smaller initiatives may start sooner, depending on district schedules and feedback from the PRC.

Future of Project Selection and Delivery

State law necessitates that if negotiations with Wenaha fail, the Sequim School District must recommence the contractor selection process. The district is also contemplating a progressive design-build strategy to enhance cost certainty and expedite project delivery. This approach could also lead to the selection of different architectural teams for various projects, fostering a more competitive bidding environment.

Initial steps included issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) last December, which was later withdrawn in January to accommodate additional projects that came with the bond vote. One notable feature of the plan is the CTE building, which has secured separate funding of $5 million alongside a significant donation from Marylaura Ramponi.

Community Support and Safety Improvements

Voters expressed their strong support for the bond, passing it with a 65.6% approval rate, or 9,256 yes votes. The bond was primarily driven by safety and infrastructure concerns at Helen Haller Elementary and Sequim High School. District officials convey a sense of urgency, asserting that new constructions will prove more cost-efficient compared to renovating outdated facilities.

Among the concerns are outdated electrical systems as well as issues relating to power, sewer, and water facilities in current schools. Plans also include enhancing safety and security measures, such as installing vestibules at school entrances to provide added protection for students and staff.

Community Involvement in Design Oversight

A design advisory committee will play a crucial role in guiding the selection of architectural teams that will ultimately shape the future of school facilities following the bond’s approval. Community members will have opportunities to stay informed about the progress of these construction initiatives through the district’s dedicated bond program website.

The Sequim School District is well on its way to modernizing its educational facilities, ensuring a safer and more conducive learning environment for its students for years to come.

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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