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 oversee construction management for a series of projects totaling $146 million. This funding comes from a bond approved by voters during a recent special election, which saw a remarkable approval rating of 65.6%, translating to 9,256 yes votes. The bond projects are designed to span over 20 years and address critical infrastructure needs within the district.

Key Projects on the Horizon

Among the significant initiatives outlined in the bond are the construction of a new Helen Haller Elementary School and an addition to Sequim High School. Additionally, the district plans to build a Career Technical Education (CTE) facility, which promises to enhance vocational training opportunities for students. These endeavors are aimed at addressing several pressing issues, including outdated electrical systems and safety concerns at existing schools.

Support for The Wenaha Group

The Sequim School Board expressed unanimous support for moving forward with The Wenaha Group, following recommendations from district officials. A Source Selection Committee carefully evaluated the candidates and narrowed the response down to The Wenaha Group and Vanir Construction. Wenaha’s previous experience managing capital projects for the district, including a successful capital projects levy in 2021, played a crucial role in the committee’s decision.

Role of The Wenaha Group

The Wenaha Group will be responsible for a wide range of activities, such as project planning, scheduling, procurement assistance, and ensuring that the projects comply with grant funding requirements. This collaboration is particularly important as larger projects may take up to 2.5 years to begin, with smaller projects potentially starting sooner, depending on district timelines and feedback from the state’s Project Review Committee (PRC).

Future Considerations and Strategies

The district is considering a progressive design-build strategy as means to enhance cost certainty and speed up project delivery. This strategy allows for flexibility in selecting architectural teams for various projects, thereby promoting competitive bidding and potentially driving down costs. An initial Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued last December but was withdrawn to accommodate new projects that emerged from the bond vote.

Funding and Community Support

Specific funding for the CTE building amounts to $5 million, bolstered by a significant donation from community member Marylaura Ramponi. This community support underscores the district’s commitment to modernizing its facilities and providing students with better opportunities for learning and skill development.

Addressing Infrastructure and Safety Issues

District officials cite a need for new constructions driven by persistent issues with outdated infrastructure and safety concerns at both Helen Haller Elementary and Sequim High School. Rather than renovate aging facilities, the district believes that investing in new buildings will be more cost-effective in the long run. Proposed improvements also include enhanced safety measures such as the addition of vestibules at school entrances.

Community Engagement and Updates

A design advisory committee is set to guide the selection of architectural teams following the bond’s approval. The district emphasizes the importance of engaging the community throughout the construction process. Updates regarding the progress of these construction projects will be available on the district’s bond program website, ensuring that residents stay informed about developments and timelines.

The Sequim School District is poised to take significant steps toward improving its educational facilities, and the partnership with The Wenaha Group marks an important move toward realizing these ambitious goals.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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