Bond Projects Making Big Strides Thanks to Collaboration and Community Commitment

Written By Willamette ESD

It’s been a busy and exciting season of progress for the Gervais School District’s bond projects! From construction planning to smart facility solutions, the work happening behind the scenes—and now increasingly on-site—is setting the stage for transformational improvements across the district. Here’s the latest roundup of updates from our incredible project partners and teams working hard to bring these projects to life.

Local Partnerships in Motion

Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company (KNCC) has been actively connecting with local subcontractors to ensure community involvement stays front and center throughout this process. In fact, KNCC kicked off their early outreach by inviting local businesses to a community Skate Night, using the event as a chance to chat about bidding opportunities in a casual, family-friendly setting. They’ve continued reaching out to local companies to ensure everyone has a fair shot at participating in the upcoming projects.

Surveying, Soil, and Strong Foundations

R&C Management Group reported that site surveying for the design phase has been completed, with control points to be finalized again at the start of construction. Geotechnical studies were also wrapped up, and while soft soils—typical for our area—were discovered, the good news is that foundation designs have already accounted for these conditions. The mitigation plan fits well within the bond budget, keeping us on track both structurally and financially.

Roofing Progress Overhead

Pre-bid walkthroughs for both the elementary and high school roofs were completed, offering contractors a chance to assess the sites up close. The elementary school roof bids were received and came in right on budget—a great sign of efficient planning and management. Bids for the high school roofing project were received, and summer 2025 projects are gearing up for launch.

Seismic Safety in Sight

In January, the District submitted a seismic grant application specifically aimed at strengthening the high school cafeteria. If awarded, the seismic work will align with broader construction efforts scheduled for summer 2026. Results from the state are expected by the end of May—fingers crossed!

Signs of the Times

New signage and readerboards are also on the horizon, thanks to a contract awarded to ES&A Sign & Awning Co. Design work is already underway, with Watchfire LED units being secured for installation. Here’s a look at what’s coming:

  • High School Exterior Readerboard: Installation planned for Fall 2025

  • Hwy 99 Signage: Also slated for Fall 2025

  • Elementary School Readerboard: Replacing the sign lost in Spring 2024, with a new one up by Fall 2025

  • Middle School Signage: Included in the new construction and targeted for Fall 2026

Weight Room Reimagined

One of the most exciting wins so far? A reimagined solution for the Gervais High School weight room. Originally, the plan called for relocating the facility to the upstairs gym mezzanine. But thanks to the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) approach and some outside-the-box thinking from district leaders, the athletics department, and our project team, a better—and more budget-friendly—solution was found.

Instead of a costly and less-accessible move, an existing exterior structure on campus will now be transformed into a modern, permanent weight room. Even better, the design includes a new restroom area to serve both the weight room and nearby athletic fields. This clever dual-purpose plan not only supports student-athletes but enhances year-round community access to facilities. Plus, the upstairs mezzanine will now remain available for physical education and expanded programming.

This kind of collaboration between Gervais School District, R&C Management Group, Arcadis Architecture, and KNCC is exactly why the CMGC model was chosen. It allows for real-time problem solving, team synergy, and ultimately, smarter results for students and families.

Looking Ahead

From the ground to the rooftops and everywhere in between, progress is happening—and it’s happening because of thoughtful planning, dedicated professionals, and a community that continues to support these important improvements. Stay tuned for more updates as we move from planning to building, and thank you for being a vital part of this exciting journey!

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Gervais School District Moves Forward with School Construction Plans