A recommendation as to which, if any, architectural firm will draw plans for possible renovations at J.W. Walker and Huffman schools here is expected to be made at the local public school board’s next meeting.
“The process is moving ahead,” reported trustee Ron McAlister of the Architectural Selection Committee during last night’s regular meeting.
“The Feb. 2 deadline for submissions has passed, and we’ve received five replies,” he noted. “Now, we’re looking at the submissions, and we have a meeting on Monday to shortlist the architects to four.”
The committee then will submit its top four submissions to the Fort Frances Elementary Facilities Review Committee. The four architects will be arranged to meet with the committee, which will select one.
Factors to consider will include previous school projects the architect may have completed, as well as the total costs of projects as per square footage constructed or renovated, indicated minutes of the committee’s Jan. 15 meeting.
This final choice, along with details such as cost and a projected plan completion date, then will be presented to the board at its March 6 meeting at the North Star Community School in Atikokan.
The board then will vote to approve the chosen architect, or it may not, as Education Director Warren Hoshizaki previously has pointed out, choose to have drawings completed prior to any public consultation on the possible school renovations.
Early estimates for plans have been put at about $30,000. These plans would detail what a $3-million-plus expansion at Walker–to absorb Alexander MacKenzie and Alberton school students–could possibly look like.
The board also is looking at closing Sixth Street School, with students there to attend a renovated Huffman.
But the board has stressed neither the renovations nor associated closures will happen without public consultation first.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
