Board of Trustees Approves Hiring of District's Construction Manager

The Weatherford ISD Board of Trustees is one step closer to beginning the facility additions and improvements supported by the bond package approved by voters on May 9, 2015. At its regular meeting held on June 18, the school board unanimously approved hiring Pogue Construction as the district’s construction manager.

The school board created an Ad Hoc committee, consisting of Jeff Geyer (Chairman), Brian Catlin, and Dr. Joshua Tarbay, to review qualifications and bring forth a recommendation for Construction Manager At-Risk Services for the 2015 bond projects.

“The committee followed a well-defined process that led to the recommendation of Pogue Construction,” said Jeff Geyer, Committee Chair. “Pogue Construction has a long and successful history of building school facilities with a deep knowledge and understanding of how schools function. They have built over forty middle school campuses, exhibit ethical behavior, are financially stable, and have a focus on students. After extensive research and the feedback we received during the interview process, we believe Pogue is the right fit for Weatherford ISD.”

The school district received seven submissions following the Request for Qualifications for Construction Manager At-Risk Services. Applicants were required to submit their qualifications and cost proposals. The committee then evaluated each proposal based on the following evaluation criteria:
• Organization
• Experience of the Construction Manager At-Risk
• Financial Strength
• Past Performance of the Construction Manager At-Risk Methodology
• Reputation
• Uniqueness

The committee thoroughly reviewed and discussed all applications, assigning point values to each of the evaluation criteria. The point system for each applicant was then used to identify companies for the interview process. A total of four companies were interviewed and scored, and after all scores for the RFQ and interviews were combined, Pogue Construction ranked highest.

Dr. Jeffrey Hanks, superintendent of schools, said, “The school board’s Ad Hoc Committee looked at several factors when considering the construction firm. They carefully examined schools and facilities built by Pogue Construction and were completely satisfied. As a check and balance, the district ensures all construction projects are completed according to Weatherford ISD standards by the Executive Director of Facilities.”

May 2015 Bond Package
The bond package addresses existing facility improvements, grade realignment, growth, and safety and security.

Proposition One, for $18.8 million, will touch every existing campus and includes improvements to comply with current codes and standards, increase safety and security, make schools more energy efficient and extend the life of each facility.

Proposition Two, totaling $49,500,000, will construct a brand new Hall Middle School at its existing site for grades 6-8, as well as provide a sixth grade classroom addition as well as other improvements at Tison Middle School.

Proposition Three, $6.6 million, includes the construction of controlled entrances to improve security at all existing campuses.

Weatherford ISD is committed to transparency with our community throughout the bond process. Information about the design and construction status of the May 2015 Bond Program will be posted on www.roobond.com .

Published June 19, 2015 Print