Albany School District Plans to Hire Bond Project Managers

The Albany school district plans for a bond measure that will be completed with the help of two project managers.
The Albany School Board has nominated HMK Company – the project management firm specializing in school districts, local government entities and private owners throughout the state of Oregon. It is currently managing the cafeteria project of South Albany High School. The board members have also voted Wiser Construction Management Group of Happy Valley that has also overseen many school building projects in Springfield, Crook County, and North Clackamas.

Picture Courtesy by britannica.com

Russ Allen, the Business Director said that the HMK company will take the lead, although the people of Albany would like efforts of Wiser Construction Management Group too. But once the size and number of the bond projects are identified, they will be divided, with one company take on construction of a new school while the other direct renovation and development efforts at other buildings.

Both companies have submitted their proposals. If voters approve a bond measure of the size and scope the school district members have been considering, there will be a lot of work to go around.

Board members have to approve the board plan for Greater Albany Public Schools and have been considering an advisory committee endorsement for the projects worth more than $117 million.

The commendations include replacing a Clover Ridge and Oak Grove elementary schools, developing a two-story classroom addition at West Albany High School, improving science laboratories at all middle and high schools and achieving a myriad of repairs and advancements districtwide.

Private supporters are trying to add performing arts facilities at both high schools which would cost more than $31 million. However, it has not approved yet. The Superintendent Jim Golden said that he plans to organize small groups to help determine the constraints of a bond measures by the end of the year 2016, then start the bond campaign in January, 2017.

Voters agreed to a budget of $55 million bond measure a decade ago, which included the development of Timber Ridge School. District officials had recommended going out for a new request on next year May, to continue the district’s current bond and maintain taxes at their current rate. Keep in mind that the last taxes for the district’s current measure will be paid this September.