School board approves alternative delivery contract for Muldown construction

The search is on for architects and contractors for a new Muldown Elementary School building.

The Whitefish School Board on Nov. 14 unanimously approved an alternative project delivery contract for the school, which is moving forward after voters last month approved a $26.5 million bond request.

An alternative project delivery contract allows the district to choose developers for the project based on a variety of criteria, rather than simply choosing based on price.

Last month the board voted to go out for requests for qualifications for a new design team for the project.

The district has worked with architectural firm L’Heureux, Page and Werner since early planning for a new school began working with the Muldown Project Task Force more than a year ago. The task force was created to deal with the current Muldown’s multitude of infrastructure issues, which includes a failing heating system and a roof incapable of handling Whitefish’s snow loads.

Most of the trustees agreed it would be more advantageous to explore options for architects and contractors rather than immediately renew the district’s contract with LPW.

District Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt said a committee would likely be committed to review firms and bring a recommendation forward to the board for the contractor/construction management contract, most likely in January or February of next year.