The MISD Board of Trustees approved the enlistment of architecture and engineering services firm Parkhill for the construction of a new elementary school in the expanding Lone Star Trails area of Midland and a series of RFQs have been issued to architects, underwriters, and surveyors.
Parkhill, the same firm responsible for the construction of Fasken and Yarbrough elementary schools last decade, will replicate the design of these facilities. As stated by the release from MISD, the replication of the facilities “saves money in the design and construction phases and speeds up the construction timeline.”
The chosen design, characterized by a "neighborhood" model, has garnered popularity among educators, students, and staff, according to the release. This model allocates dedicated spaces for each grade, complete with restrooms, flexible walls for expanded classrooms, and communal areas.
Evaluation of submissions from architects and engineers is currently underway with a selection of firms slated for consideration by trustees in January. Parkhill was endorsed as the program manager in a November decision by the board.
Additionally, an RFQ for underwriting services has been released with responses expected by Dec. 21. A committee will assess the submissions and present them to the board for approval in February. Discussions pertaining to bond sales will commence subsequent to the selection of underwriters.
MISD has also issued an RFQ for surveying and geotechnical services. A list of vendors will be presented to the board for approval in January.
November marked the inaugural meeting of the Bond Advisory Committee and had 24 members. During this session, reports on district operations, finance, and communication efforts were presented.
According to the release, both the advisory committee and the bond planning committee were acknowledged during the December trustees meeting for their unwavering commitment to this extensive project that is poised to reshape education in Midland for decades to come.
For further information on the progress of the bond implementation, updates can be found at midlandbond2023.com.