School board chooses firm to manage facilities plan projects

The Cape Girardeau School District took a step toward implementing its districtwide construction and renovation plan.

During a special meeting Monday, the school board decided to enter into contract negotiations with McCarthy Building Companies, a St. Louis-based construction management firm.

The firm will help prioritize projects for the district's 10 buildings for a bond issue, said Neil Glass, director of administrative services.

In September, Glass presented a rough draft of the facilities plan to the district steering committee. The plan includes $35 million in projects, including an events complex and auditorium at the high school. It also includes additions to ease overcrowding in the elementary schools.

He said the the firm will examine the plan, develop a cost analysis and define the scope of the project.

"They'll break it down and build it back up," Glass said.

Thursday, Glass and a committee interviewed three finalists, including Alberici Constructors and SM Wilson and Co., both based in St. Louis.

"McCarthy had, by and large, the most work experience," said board member Tony Smee, who served on the interviewing committee. Board member Paul Nenninger also served on the committee.

McCarthy worked on construction projects for Fort Zumwalt High School in St. Peters, Mo., and Lindbergh and Ladue school districts in St. Louis.

Glass said the district will pay the firm according to a percentage of the total project. He said the district will negotiate a fee structure this week. It will take about two months for the firm to complete a cost analysis of the project, he said.

If a bond issue does not pass, the district will not have to pay for the firm's services leading up to the vote, Glass said.

"I feel that they stuck their neck out with a vested interest," he said.

Glass has been working with a steering committee since February to assess the needs of the district and develop a facilities plan. District officials plan to approach voters with a no-tax-increase bond issue in April.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

301 N. Clark Ave. Cape Girardeau, MO