One of the largest projects Fishers residents will see this year is slated to break ground this fall.
Hamilton Southeastern School District Supt. Brian Smith said groundbreaking for the school system’s senior academies projects will occur in late October or early November.
The district has been taking steps to select a contractor to construct the projects being funded through the $95-million referendum approved by voters in early May.
Currently, the district is down to three choices for the design/build job: The Hagerman Group, Hunt Construction Group and The Skillman Corp.
An HSE School Board document shows the process dates back to at least May 29 when a Request for Qualifications was issued.
According to Smith, scoring from the district’s Technology Review Committee’s voting members will determine the project’s contractor.
He said they’re scheduled to score the design/build teams on Sept. 12.
“We want to make sure they’ve got the depth of resources and the capacity of personnel to execute the job, not only the way we want it to be in terms of meeting our vision,” Smith said, “but staying on the schedule so the buildings are open for occupancy August 2015.”
Harry Delks, HSE facilities manager, said the field of candidates started at six design/build teams.
Two teams were cut after it was deemed they didn’t respond adequately and a third was cut after scoring by the TRC, he said.
The remaining three are to respond to a request for proposal.
Their responses are due Aug. 30, Delks said.
The TRC is composed of five voting members and eight non-voting advisors.
The committee’s voting members are board members Karen Harmer and Katrina Hockemeyer; Delks; Tom Curry, a retired professional engineer; and Mark Thomas, a contractor.
Advisors include the two high school principals, as well as CFO Mike Reuter, board member Sylvia Shepler, representatives from CSO Architects and more.
According to a board document, awarding the contract is scheduled for the Sept. 23 board meeting.