SPS narrows design pool to five for bond-funded projects

The Springfield Public Schools Board of Education is scheduled this evening to hear the first reading of a proposal to enter into contracts with five local architectural firms for bond-funded projects.

SPS spokeswoman Teresa Bledsoe said the board would hear from the selection committee, which narrowed down the firms from an initial 17 that submitted requests for qualification by Feb. 22. She said the board likely would vote on the selections during its May 21 meeting.  

Affirmative votes would give the firms approval to design five construction projects valued together at $55.7 million. Springfield voters approved a $71.65 million bond issuance to cover the projects and address technology needs during the April 2 general election.

Of the initial 17, 10 firms were interviewed and nine were invited to the second round with school representatives from the facilities where projects would take place, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Architectural firms are picked by a seven-member committee based on relevant experience and other factors. The selection committee has recommended:

• Buxton Kubik Dodd Creative for a $19.3 million kitchen and cafeteria improvements project at Kickapoo High School;
• GHN Architects/Engineers for a $4 million cafeteria renovation at Glendale High School;
• Paragon Architecture Inc. for a $1.1 million classroom addition at Hickory Hills K-8 School;
• Bates & Associates Inc. for a $13.5 million, 45,000-square-foot addition to Fremont Elementary School; and
• Sapp Design Associates Architects PC for a new southwest Springfield elementary school with a price tag of $17.8 million.

SPS has come under fire in recent weeks, with criticism surrounding the April 2 general election from Minorities in Business, and at least four design firms voicing concerns about the district's selection process.

Geoffrey Butler, partner of Springfield-based architectural firm Butler, Rosenbury & Partners Inc., has said in a letter to the school board and an interview with SBJ that there are disconnects between SPS’ criteria and information sought through the statement of qualifications.

SPS Board of Education President Kris Callen has said the governing board has committed to determining whether the concerns have merit.