The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) is searching for a designer for the track and field project.
The owner’s project manager (OPM) contract with Daedalus Projects has been authorized by the school for $125,000. Now the school has turned around and put out a bid for a track and field designer. The design firm chosen for the job will ultimately render drawings and plans for construction of the project.
The committee decided to interview applicants in person instead of by phone.
Committee member Skipper Manter asked what steps the school is taking to secure private funding for the project.
Finance manager Mark Friedman said the school has $350,000 from excess and deficiency funds to spend on the first phase of the project. Since $125,000 has already been set aside for the OPM, Friedman said, $225,000 will be allotted for the designer.
“I’m guessing that through the permitting process, we may incur additional expenses to hire experts in various areas. If so, are we carving out part of the remaining money for that?” Friedman asked.
Committee members mentioned additional environmental assessments and traffic studies necessary for approval of a development of regional impact by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
Superintendent Matt D’Andrea said there has not yet been a vessel set up by the school to receive donations for the project. “We will need to set up that fundraising arm,” D’Andrea said.
But committee member Kris O’Brien it would behoove the school to get design documents out to the public before receiving any donations.
Principal Sara Dingledy said a Friends of MVRHS foundation would be useful to earmark funds for capital projects and receive donations according to the school’s goals.
On August 21, school committee members will interview applicants for the designer position at 10 am in the library conference room. Each applicant will be present for 10 minutes, then follow up with a 20-minute conversation segment.