December 2024 Bond Update

As we head into January, I wanted to give everyone an update on the progress of the district’s bond work.  Some people are wondering when construction is going to begin. There are many tasks that are required to be completed before we can begin breaking ground. The district wants to carefully coordinate projects so that we are “touching it one time.” For example, the high school roof is going to be replaced but we are also adding an extensive HVAC system to the building. We don’t want to redo the roof to then have to rip a portion of it out to install the HVAC components. That would be a waste of time and money and possibly create issues with warranties and the effectiveness of the systems. Our motto right now is sometimes we have to go slow in order to move fast.

There will be some smaller projects completed in the Summer of 2025 but the most extensive work in all three buildings will begin in early 2026 with the summer of 2026 being “all hands on deck” and all projects finished by early 2027.  As the district works through different phases of the projects, we will have Open Houses where members of the public can see for themselves what is being done and ask questions.

Bond Advisory Committee:

This fall the district seated the Bond Advisory Committee (BAC) which is chaired by community members Denise Teixeira and Bob Zielinski. The committee meets every other month to receive updates on the progress of the bond and to ensure the projects being completed match what was promised to the voters.  For a full listing of the committee members and to review the minutes of the first two meetings, follow this link: https://www.gervaisbond.org/bond-advisory-committee. The next meeting is January 8, 2025, in the district office at 6:30 p.m.

Architects:

The district put out “Request for Proposals” (RFPs) for architect firms and selected Arcadis Architects. Members of this firm first began working with the district in 2019 on the Long-Range Facility Assessment and Planning document. They understand the values and priorities of the community as they facilitated listening and work sessions for voters during the last three years. In October and November, the architects began the Pre-Design work which included taking staff members on tours of recently constructed middle schools.  Administrators and staff from GES, GMS, and GHS participated in multiple meetings to help guide the architects’ work. The next phase will include bringing in other staff, students and community members to give input on the design of the spaces.  Once this process is finished, the district will be able to publish a list of the specific projects happening in each building including time frames for the work.

Construction:

The district put out an RFP for Construction Manager/General Contractor proposals December 4, 2024, with a mandatory pre-bid meeting held on December 11, 2024.  Construction companies interested in applying for the Gervais School District projects must turn in their bids by early January.

Construction Preparation:

The district has also been required to engage in surveying property lines, and studies such as geological, water flow and traffic to name a few. There are many more that need to be done as we begin to prepare for actual construction.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Dandy Stevens

Superintendent

Dandy_stevens@gervais.k12.or.us