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 Wenaha Group for Major Bond Projects

The Sequim School District is currently negotiating with The Wenaha Group to take the lead on the management of construction for major educational projects totaling $146 million. These initiatives were given the green light by voters in a recent special election and are set to unfold over the next 20 years.

Among the standout projects is the construction of a new Helen Haller Elementary School and an expansion at Sequim High School. In addition, a key focus of this development plan is the creation of a modern Career Technical Education (CTE) facility designed to enhance vocational training for students.

The school board has shown unanimous support for moving forward with The Wenaha Group, following a positive recommendation from Superintendent Regan Nickels. The decision comes after a selection process where a committee narrowed down four candidates to two: Wenaha and Vanir Construction.

Wenaha, having previously managed the capital projects levy for the district in 2021, brings valuable experience to the table. The district’s facilities director, Mike Santos, highlighted the necessity of having an experienced construction management firm to facilitate smoother operations with the state’s Project Review Committee (PRC).

The scope of Wenaha’s responsibilities will encompass project planning, scheduling, procurement assistance, and ensuring compliance with various grant funding requirements. They are expected to efficiently oversee multiple construction projects, addressing critical upgrades at both Sequim High and the elementary schools.

It’s important to note that the timeline for these projects may vary; larger initiatives could take up to 2.5 years to initiate, while smaller undertakings might begin more swiftly depending on district schedules and feedback from the PRC.

Should negotiations with Wenaha not reach a conclusion, state law mandates restarting the selection process from scratch, ensuring that the project timeline remains intact. The district is considering a progressive design-build strategy, which aims to enhance cost certainty and speed up the delivery process, allowing for a more streamlined construction timeline.

To further promote competitive pricing, separate architectural teams may be appointed for distinct projects. The selection process began last December with a request for qualifications; however, it was temporarily withdrawn in January to adjust for additional projects included in the bond vote.

In addition to the major initiatives funded by the bond, the construction of the CTE building boasts separate funding of $5 million, bolstered by a notable donation from a community member, Marylaura Ramponi.

The bond itself was passed with significant public backing, securing 65.6% approval, which translates to 9,256 yes votes. The reasoning behind the bond’s approval stems from existing safety and infrastructure issues present at Helen Haller Elementary and Sequim High School, which necessitated immediate action.

District officials contend that building new facilities is a more cost-effective solution compared to attempting to renovate outdated structures. Concerns related to aging electrical systems and issues with power, sewer, and water supply have reinforced the urgency to invest in new constructions that promise better functionality.

In addition to upgrading facilities, plans include enhancing safety and security measures, such as installing vestibules at school entrances to provide more controlled access.

A design advisory committee will play a pivotal role in guiding the selection process of architectural teams following the bond’s approval, ensuring that the projects align with the district’s and community’s vision.

For those interested in staying updated on the progress of these construction initiatives, the district has established a dedicated website for the bond program, where information will be routinely posted.

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