School Board Chooses Design/Build Method

After considerable discussion at the May school board meeting, members voted 4-2 to go with the design-build format for future construction and renovations at Thayer Central.

“[With design/build] you will know exactly how much the project costs,” said Ayars & Ayars representative Randy Wilson. “Design/build projects get done about 30 percent faster.”

“The thing I like about design/build is that the architect, engineer and contractor are all working together,” said Curt Mumm, school board president.

However, not all members were confident with the design/build process.

“I want a system of checks and balances and I don’t see that with design/build,” said school board member Brad Cooper. “[However] the advantage of design/build is the speed at which the project gets done.”

The board hopes to have public meetings when they interview design/build companies in order to gain public input.

“When you interview design/build firms you need to look at their process,” said Wilson. “How are they going to manage your project? How do they accept your input? How do they do pricing?”

The next school board meeting will be held Monday, June 8.