The Prescott School District is seeking proposals for project management services for items that will be included in a bond referendum in February 2022.to address building needs through 2024.

The school district contracted with SDS Architects for a facility study in 2019. A survey of district residents showed that there was an unwillingness from taxpayers for projects other than maintenance and safety-related upgrades. The school board decided to work toward identifying necessary projects, and scheduling a referendum vote for those projects, which would include:

•Replacing roofs at two buildings.

Upgrading HVAC systems.

Upgrading plumbing and electrical systems.

•Building repairs.

The school district is accepting proposals through March 29. Responses will be reviewed starting April 1, with potential interviews and selection of a finalist at the April 21 school board meeting.

“The selected Project Manager (PM) will collaborate with the architect and engineering (A/E) team, PSD’s Supervisor of Building and Grounds, Superintendent, and School Board to evaluate the scope of the work,” the district Request for Proposals states. “In concert with PSD Administration, the PM will engage community stakeholders in the overview and creation of various options for the school board to consider in the fall of 2021. The PM will assist the board to select an optimal solution balancing the needs of the district’s urgent and essential infrastructure needs while fostering community understanding of the risk-reward of each solution proposed. The report will include impact and risk to the facilities by neglecting identified work as well as fiscal relief by knowing identified issues are addressed in a timely manner.

“In preparation of a voter-approved bond, the PM will assist with referendum activities in conjunction with the A/E team and Prescott School District. After a successful referendum outcome, the PM will develop a competitive bid process, evaluate potential contractors, coordinate all documentation and manage the entire process from implementation to closeout.”

In the RFP, firms are being asked to “develop strategic process for feasible options and budget to minimize impact on taxpayers that produces best long-term results.” The firm is also asked ways it will ‘participate and assist with facilitation of Facility Advisory Committee.”

During the leadup to a referendum the chosen firm will:

•” Act as PSD liaison to assist with community engagement and provide information updates to community stakeholders.”

•” Devise a method to engage community participation in the review and options that the board will consider.

•” Develop a master schedule of tasks and support the district with campaign materials (flyers, videos, posters, social media) for the bond referendum

•” Support the PSD School Board in finalizing a referendum resolution by December 7, 2021.”

The chart with this article describes the projects the district has labeled as necessary over the next several years. Through 2024, that number is $9,284,132, with an additional $4.1 million in the next 7-10 years.