[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6144822,"mediaKeyId","5533495-edae80bff60908dfcb779047a08b34fe","parentId",5533495,"title","Attorney explains construction‑manager‑as‑contractor (CMC) procurement; board hears advantages and tradeoffs","audioSeconds",783,"startMs",9233000,"endMs",10016000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5533495-edae80bff60908dfcb779047a08b34fe&start=9233&end=10016","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5533495-edae80bff60908dfcb779047a08b34fe/thumbnail_9233000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6144822/Indiana/Attorney-explains-constructionmanagerascontractor-CMC-procurement-board-hears-advantages-and-tradeoffs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6144822-a41f3f49c1b828bbd3cef5ee38fd447d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770625391&Signature=Jw4qDFwiksYzLabq-EdEQhlfKMpcjbEkxILSikCFsUrrU6Rk~hhzAcpRqxbcLCUOP7hDC6R3S~m0s0MVTcEKLcqArYLloczOYV7CHE-UQNXhOyD4QNEli4ni96~~G~fb6kVOwg3v29TBakWtUCXZAdjbh9mkrlEl5nSWenxbN6O55Lmam-XCdfWjsp9DWPOBQn8kgXUMXG1danTcxM9~JFbMCkZCLy8LQGdl1ZyGgh4-aYJCuBPD2tB-skNmUj2Myey-c2Qg50AtyrcbImItygR-WJjL7DdrP~eAucyCubiEvznMd5fR63SJJp4bA9oLoJLQ4LJeEsAXlzyTwO820g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","West Lafayette Com School Corp","date","2025-08-05T01:58:18Z","article","John Becker, attorney with Church Church Hittle & Antrim, presented the board with an overview of construction‑manager‑as‑contractor (CMC) procurement and how it differs from traditional low‑bid competitive contracting.
Becker explained that CMC selection uses a request for proposals (RFP), scoring and interviews so the district may choose the “best” not just the lowest bidder; the CMC delivers preconstruction services, helps refine design, solicits subcontractor bids and can hold a guaranteed maximum price (GMP). \"With a CMC, you do an RFP. With an RFP, you can select...the best bidder,\" Becker said, noting the RFP process allows negotiation and typically reduces unexpected change orders because the builder is involved earlier with the architect.
Tradeoffs and costs: Becker said CMCs typically take a percentage fee tied to cost of the work (examples discussed: single‑digit percentages) and may perform up to 30% of trade work themselves, subject to public‑procurement checks and subcontractor bidding rules. The board discussed whether overall cost is higher than a lowest‑bidder approach; Becker said the district often sees fewer change orders and administrative burden shifted to the CMC, which can reduce internal staff time and contractual risk.
Legal and contracting steps: Becker reviewed statutory procurement requirements (public works statutes), the use of bonds, performance warranties and the ability for the district to reject bids or walk away at the preconstruction stage if bids come back too high.
Board follow‑up: Trustees asked about architect fee implications, oversight and how warranty and change orders are enforced; Becker said the architect remains engaged and the CMC contract should include standard protections, insurance and performance bonding. The board did not make a procurement decision at the meeting; Becker said the firm will work on RFP templates and contracts if the board chooses to use the CMC model for future projects.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","WLCSC - Work Session & Regular Board Meeting August 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","An attorney described the CMC delivery method and explained how it differs from competitive low‑bid contracts, highlighting negotiation advantages, preconstruction services, guaranteed maximum price mechanics and contractor bonding requirements.","taxTitle","West Lafayette Com School Corp, School Boards, Indiana","taxId",76369,"location","Indiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6144827,"Board pauses partial demolition at Happy Hollow and asks for community input on long‑term uses",214,12022000,12236000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5533495-edae80bff60908dfcb779047a08b34fe&start=12022&end=12236","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5533495-edae80bff60908dfcb779047a08b34fe/thumbnail_12022000.jpg","/articles/6144827/Indiana/Board-pauses-partial-demolition-at-Happy-Hollow-and-asks-for-community-input-on-longterm-uses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6144827-ba30cd065c3aee48cb5fa01b059dff3a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770625391&Signature=RENRCPcum2DuqdLVWLt5s9BpUWC~CLR3sLQzuEvpNn9Lk4xtffhy5y3BwWdllupwgm10e0n3wLVXIkcaJUgjVD4rk-pY8IA5FkJSXKdnzvSu19YltNjFJtgQG-tedIqpTIvvkqu9C478FpHBD0xTauPi6TCaUIx3NE1~mrlszC-ptorBUftLHRqH1rYuv3ejYzbfu5nIzDZcmAxGJiv15LzdwwKGpDCO1VQrt9geGV8QGTx9BTd1KcTAO74kB~VTjWxTt30XsUOCBkDMHr7LfGJFjfWU1ZPsZfQjg5TyQ23vRvqDAPhZrt0cYbo17dyDK43El-CkiwmqTpBD1wPeUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Lafayette school board heard an update on Happy Hollow planning and decided to delay proposed partial demolition after the policy analytics revenue forecast raised concerns about near‑term district finances.
Skybound consultant Adam Jones described a shortened public engagement approach — a neighborhood survey, targeted focus groups, and in‑person and virtual sessions — to gather community ideas about the site’s long‑term use and advised the board on timelines to report back by the end of 2025. Jones said the process would seek uses aligned with district priorities while clearly explaining financial constraints.
Administration recommendation to pause: Because Policy Analytics’ forecast shows the district could face substantial revenue loss in coming years, the administration recommended pausing discretionary partial demolition work at Happy Hollow and instead collecting community input before committing capital funds. The superintendent emphasized the district must preserve the portions of the building needed for current programming while planning longer‑term changes; he noted equipment such as a chiller has reached end of life and will require replacement whether or not demolition proceeds.
Board and community concerns: Trustees and public commenters asked for technical details — chiller cost estimates (administration cited roughly $300,000 as a planning figure), whether parts of the building can be mothballed safely, and how quickly the district could proceed if funding becomes available. Several trustees and residents urged active outreach to the immediate New Chauncey neighborhood, to parks and recreation, to the city and to other potential partners to explore shared uses and revenue opportunities.
Next steps: The administration will keep necessary program spaces operational, prepare cost estimates for urgent maintenance (chiller, critical plumbing), and work with Skybound to deploy the public survey and focus groups; Jones said he will provide a community‑informed recommendation later in 2025. The board emphasized communication with neighborhood leaders and city officials during the planning process.
","After hearing a budget forecast showing sharper revenue declines, the board agreed to pause proposed partial demolition work at the Happy Hollow site and asked consultants to gather community input for a long‑range plan that preserves current needed program space.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6144833,"Special education director reports staffing filled, new programs and community parent study group planned",674,3694000,4368000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5533495-edae80bff60908dfcb779047a08b34fe&start=3694&end=4368","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5533495-edae80bff60908dfcb779047a08b34fe/thumbnail_3694000.jpg","/articles/6144833/Indiana/Special-education-director-reports-staffing-filled-new-programs-and-community-parent-study-group-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6144833-a44e8f5abee6b9501e9d9e53fa9a13bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770625392&Signature=Ea71eTCgZ6UtP9oz~NV9alUWBGNfxrN5R5JaeMUNMcNmgL4CL~~DZtLWK2Qp4WpdbsoPWGowEf~r0ymXqkzJ04jH3ImddEYck7U-PSjFXjO7Eh6jYcu7Kqb8gfteBy-1l~d0-OcuSB0w-x1MY5xavfPtUoxHliKN-ELXDnE4mu4mfrgMF7fNAOJ6tgz9aoEpWvTKuO1Dr69YikZBXfslj9kAUWDtbavlQTDY9LSrdBzS-7qhj70UnV7QXtpkP0OL0r6k~e7hvuELXsflkYNKRhLyIUEETwl6k2IyQoEACh5LSDZRxFIaJHzed5lz-dY7RP1fOW5ZBtS4~kofhlZHbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Missy Qualio, director of special education, told the board the district is serving about 237 students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), roughly 10.25% of enrollment as counted on Dec. 1, and that the district currently has its special education positions filled.
Qualio gave a line‑by‑line accounting of staff: resource‑room teachers in each building, registered behavior technicians (RBTs), paraprofessionals dedicated to essential skills classrooms, a contracted board‑certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and a newly hired in‑person speech‑language pathologist. “We have all special education positions filled,” Qualio said, and added that the district has prioritized consistent contracted providers across all three buildings.
Program updates and parent outreach: The district is rolling out a structured learning program at the elementary school intended to help students transition from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) center settings into school. Qualio said a Milo social‑robot program (acquired through grant funding) has been successful in early literacy and engagement and that staff are training to expand its classroom use. She said the district will launch a parent study group (first meeting tentatively Sept. 15) and will offer additional training and supports for parents.
Transition from cooperative services: Qualio said the district has taken physical files and is preparing to post openings for related‑service personnel as regional cooperative (Glass) services dissolve; she reported staff are working with other districts on allocation of shared equipment and administrative responsibilities.
Board follow‑up: Trustees asked for data on the number of additional students helped via RTI and 504 services (Qualio said those data are filed with the state and she will provide them). Members also asked about paraprofessional pay and retention; Qualio said paraprofessional pay is broadly competitive, and the corporation provides benefits that many neighboring districts do not.
","Director of special education outlined staffing levels, in‑person speech services, a new structured learning program, a Milo therapeutic robot grant and plans for a parent study group; district will recruit related‑services staff as Glass services dissolve.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6144837,"Policy analytics: Senate Bill 1 shrinks assessed value, could cut district referendum revenue by hundreds of thousands annually",3803,3539000,7342000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5533495-edae80bff60908dfcb779047a08b34fe&start=3539&end=7342","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5533495-edae80bff60908dfcb779047a08b34fe/thumbnail_3539000.jpg","/articles/6144837/Indiana/Policy-analytics-Senate-Bill-1-shrinks-assessed-value-could-cut-district-referendum-revenue-by-hundreds-of-thousands-annually","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6144837-f573638734bcd1a4e2af452ed72620f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770625392&Signature=SrCEBt~O~HfEtdNCVLRZ~hW5X6aEzlKUZXft62R7fL4lAO2OpyoEg3wRTbko8cYcrh3tCqtec5geSAqjHRqHeleS6OeAxmaCfcJVwzBgPGhdnRAsk5Hg9ZmL1bk31NFzCC8puBmSVjB-96NfrzBAeVkXc9kC65eczkf4P9GCfsxzLe54NHX7DXj8THM1pAzXBBfi86n2gEkbxTDeWAi4xcFYm0hgSqUV0eG2FVJzdAImgTOw02CrcT-f8PhSLxAw8fBDdHv6uAyc9WhwKpyhy7Fuv4h8HWwyJ3wx7KeELQ~~-mwhaTGFR8LkpfyZ0aoQbzeIJv1YxIhsbcVySg1txw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jane Herndon of Policy Analytics told the West Lafayette school board on Aug. 4 that recent statewide tax changes in Senate Bill 1 will reduce net assessed values statewide and materially cut property‑tax revenue available to local governments, including schools.
Herndon summarized the statutory changes and their effects: “Senate Bill 1 changes that, in that across the state we are seeing net assessed value decrease,” she said, citing larger homestead deductions phased in over five years, a new $300 or 10% supplemental homestead credit, and higher business‑personal property exemptions (rising from $80,000 to $2 million). She warned these changes shrink the tax base and shift tax burden among property classes.
Key findings presented: Policy Analytics’ parcel‑level model projects West Lafayette’s net assessed value will drop through 2031 as deductions fully phase in; the district’s debt tax rate would rise if it tries to raise the same levy amount, and the operations and referendum levies are likely to generate materially less revenue than under previous law. Herndon said the referendum fund — which carries a community‑approved rate — could fall sharply and that some districts will face the choice to renew referenda at higher rates earlier than planned.
Board reaction and consequences: Trustees and administrators treated the presentation as alarming and immediate. Greiner and finance staff recommended pausing discretionary capital work proposed for Happy Hollow and treating the referendum and broader budget planning as urgent topics for follow‑up. Trustee David said the news “makes the people in the room very frustrated” because future programming and staffing are at stake.
What the study did and did not assume: Herndon presented two scenarios — one holding debt levy amounts flat and another holding rates constant to show different revenue paths — and noted that 2026 assessed values might be stronger than the conservative model used because state cost tables and market values are still being updated. She recommended the board discuss strategies including possible earlier referendum renewal, levy adjustments, and coordination with county income tax policy.
Limits and next steps: The report does not include non‑property revenue or detailed district debt schedules; Herndon said Policy Analytics will rerun models when Tippecanoe County publishes 2026 assessed values and when the district provides a debt‑service plan. The administration told the board it would bring budget scenarios and follow‑up meetings to translate the analysis into policy options for the community.
","Policy Analytics presented parcel‑level modeling showing that Senate Bill 1 (SEA 1) deductions and credits will reduce West Lafayette’s net assessed value and cut referendum revenue; the board heard that the district may lose more than $1 million annually in referendum revenue by 2031 without changes to local levies or other measures.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6144842,"Superintendent: transfer arrangement with TSC will continue for now as district monitors enrollment decline",821,66000,887000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5533495-edae80bff60908dfcb779047a08b34fe&start=66&end=887","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5533495-edae80bff60908dfcb779047a08b34fe/thumbnail_66000.jpg","/articles/6144842/Indiana/Superintendent-transfer-arrangement-with-TSC-will-continue-for-now-as-district-monitors-enrollment-decline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6144842-73cc1d744b4012f4ff74dda1631f2fec/orig.mp4?Expires=1770625392&Signature=R~Q-CbyKEkkTxrAoBc-fxkLqbzra5EXZLJnxL30Mmf4JKWljJPNLUnhsi4jwKEFDHn0qjRYLRjriDnhVyIXDIrEmg4eLZQwkbVb4MWwiGWrk5VvNa1VYiHG1qq~7UBlq02rp-Qi6nj9Ap-5uNIXIcSq0tZklNy0~OIcoQUg16Y-buHpR2~Upg2JqxHKOmFH5f4acV3Q5nzpO8GwtShWnQcorV9lm~td2d5g7IkrDeJWJdzBXoJpDJAJX19CTJkL3142D2~GZmn3L50-u2jCOKJjfemngynilY5HHVxxKNyd8ju4bkmygnua2tCX4FV5c9fxBicmDZ0UJC5fBfNuUQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Brent Greiner, superintendent of West Lafayette Community School Corporation, told the board on Aug. 4 that resident enrollment has fallen about 160 students since 2019–20 and that kindergarten enrollment this year arrived “significantly lower” than usual. “We typically enroll around 2,300 students a year, which supports a stable revenue,” Greiner said. He described a modest increase in transfer students that has helped offset lost funding tied to resident enrollment.
The board heard why the district is not recommending immediate change to its transfer practice. “I want to say again that we are not recommending a change,” Greiner said, and added that Tippecanoe School Corporation (TSC) is willing to continue the historical transfer arrangement this year, which reduced the committee’s sense of urgency.
Why it matters: Indiana funding follows each enrolled student; Greiner said the district receives roughly $7,200 in state funding per student and that a complete closure to transfers would produce a material revenue loss (he estimated roughly $1.2 million per year under today’s conditions). Board members and parents pressed for more detail on how a change would affect staff and programming, and for wider community input before any policy decision.
Board discussion and community input: Trustees asked for clarifications about who initiates transfer application closures (Greiner said it typically is TSC) and why urgency has eased (because TSC’s legal review and willingness to continue the relationship resolved earlier uncertainties). Several trustees urged the administration to post the presentation online and to hold listening sessions; Trustee Disha Mumford said many community members felt tonight’s timing made it hard to attend. Parent speakers asked for clearer timelines and written agreements; Aliyah Scott, a district parent and licensed realtor, said, “If we’re relying on [the TSC arrangement], we need clear boundaries and a plan if things change.”
Policy options and next steps presented: Greiner showed options ranging from (a) maintaining the current TSC transfer arrangement to (b) opening West Lafayette to transfers directly (which would require policy changes and state invoicing changes) to (c) fully closing transfers. He told the board the administration recommends continuing current practice and reviewing enrollment trends annually. If the board wishes to explore changes, staff requested formal direction to do so.
Distinct facts and limits: The presentation cited House enrollment legislation that no longer allows districts to charge transfer families more than the state average daily membership (ADM) amount; Greiner said the district previously collected additional transfer fees that it will not be able to under the new law. The board did not vote on transfer policy at the meeting; trustees directed staff to post materials and to schedule future public engagement if demand warrants.
What’s next: Administration will continue monitoring enrollment and transfer applications, post the presentation materials online, and work with the board chair on scheduling community listening sessions as needed. The district also flagged upcoming budget presentations from finance staff that will tie transfer choices into broader revenue questions.
","Superintendent Dr. Brent Greiner told the West Lafayette school board the district is seeing a multi‑year decline in resident enrollment and a corresponding modest rise in transfer students; he said a long‑standing transfer arrangement with neighboring TSC will continue for this year and no immediate policy change is recommended.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Attorney explains construction‑manager‑as‑contractor (CMC) procurement; board hears advantages and tradeoffs

Board pauses partial demolition at Happy Hollow and asks for community input on long‑term uses

Special education director reports staffing filled, new programs and community parent study group planned

Policy analytics: Senate Bill 1 shrinks assessed value, could cut district referendum revenue by hundreds of thousands annually

Superintendent: transfer arrangement with TSC will continue for now as district monitors enrollment decline