Stevensville Public Schools
Building Project
Construction Manager Format
A huge thanks to the community of Stevensville for supporting the bond that will allow the construction of a new facility for grades 4-8. This visionary decision will positively impact our students for generations to come providing an educational environment that is safe and energy efficient.
Construction Manager
The Board of Trustees has voted to use the Construction Manager format strategy for our building project. The Construction Manager is an individual who works directly for the school district, guiding the project until completion. The Construction Manager strategy allows the district to sub-contract all phases of the building project. This style, in contrast with the traditional format that bid out the whole project to one company, provides the best opportunity for local sub-contractors to bid on specific aspects of this project.
Swank Enterprises
At the January 26, 2010 Board meeting the Trustees approved offering the Construction Manager position to Swank Enterprises. Their experience of building over 100 schools in Montana and their comprehensive plan of providing the best opportunity for local sub-contractors to get involved, were just two of the many reasons why the Board made this selection.
Negotiations with Swank are in process and part of the preliminary language provided by Swank states the following:
· It shall be a noted priority to provide maximum opportunity for local firms to participate in the bidding and construction process. It shall be an expressed priority to encourage each participating subcontractor to utilize 100% local crews to perform the work.
· Should Swank Enterprises be successful bidder for any bid package, Swank will utilize local workers to make up their crew.
It is the Board's desire to break the total construction process into many parts and then, as required by law, to release public bids for each job. Furthermore, by law, once bids are received the District must accept the lowest bid. It is the Board's plan to educate interested contractors on the bidding process and bid packages so they have all the information to submit a competitive bid. Community meetings are being scheduled to share all information and answer questions. All meetings will be posted and advertised. Please contact Superintendent Kent Kultgen if you have any questions. Contact information: 777-5481 ext 136.
Timeline
The project is off and running and before you know it, the construction will be in full swing. The tentative plan consists of the following goals:
· Spring 2010:
o Addition to high school shop to make room for a separate Junior High Shop.
o FFA green house will be moved.
o The pre-school building (not Head Start) must be moved.
· Summer 2010:
o Demolition of the Junior High Shop and English room (the small brown building between the Junior High and 4-6 building).
o Construction of the 4-8 building will begin.
· Summer 2011:
o Demolition of Junior High and begin construction of kitchen/multipurpose room.
o Completion of 4-8 building
· Fall 2011:
o Students will begin school in the new 4-8 building
· Summer 2012:
o Demolition of 4-6 building.
Please understand this timeline is very tentative, but it gives a good indication of how quickly the construction will begin and general dates for major goals throughout the process
Band/Choir
As many may know, the high school bond supporting the band and choir failed. This setback has created many concerns as to the future of the programs. Rest assured the programs will not be cut. The Board and Facility Committee are working hard to figure out the best option to provide an educationally safe learning environment. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any suggestions.
On behalf of our students, thank you for your support. The challenge before us demands good stewardship and hard work to ensure the funds provided are spent efficiently on the best education facility possible.
I encourage your input; do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
