Board approves architect services contract and authorizes construction-manager-at-risk procurement for high-school remodel

The Friendship ISD Board of Trustees approved administration’s recommendation to enter an architect-services contract for the remodel and renovations at Friendship High School and authorized the construction-manager-at-risk (CMAR) procurement method for the project.

Administration recommended a contract with Corgan (introduced at the meeting as Corgan Associates) to provide architectural services for the remodel. The administration said the firm was selected from a previously approved pool of architects. The board approved the contract recommendation by voice vote after a motion to approve was made and seconded; Chelsea Salazar seconded the motion. Theresa Wicks, identified at the meeting as the firm’s principal architect, was introduced to the board.

The board also approved a resolution authorizing the construction-manager-at-risk procurement method for the remodel and renovation, which administration and the design team recommended as the best value and the approach that provides negotiating leverage for complex renovation work. Andrew Cox moved to authorize the CMAR procurement method; Jamie Phillips seconded the motion and the board approved it by voice vote.

Why it matters: the authorizations allow the district to move from design into contractor selection and preconstruction services under a CMAR delivery model. Board members described the approach as enabling better cost control during renovations and more flexibility to run multiple projects concurrently.

Next steps: administration said it will proceed with contract finalization with the architect and will begin procurement steps consistent with the CMAR approach and the district’s procurement policies.