2023 Bond

Middle School Improvements Project – Bidding is Now Complete

The bidding period for the Middle School addition and renovation project closed on Thursday, April 3^rd. The district held a pre-proposal conference where vendors were invited to come and hear additional details about the construction project, and walk-through the Middle School campus.

When proposals are received, they are evaluated and graded. The district meets with the Construction Subcommittee to review the bids and the findings of the review process. A vendor is then recommended for the school board’s review and approval at the next board meeting on April 28^th.

The district will then notify the winning general contractor, and they can begin to mobilize onsite at the middle school. Construction is scheduled to begin in May. The work will continue in two phases. Phase I will be completed by July 2025, and Phase II will be completed by July 2026.

It is exciting to know that after all of the planning we have been doing behind the scenes, we will start to see movement and physical progress take shape at HMS.

 

Safety & Security

enhancing campus safety and providing advanced monitoring capabilities. Work has also begun at Huffman Middle School (HMS), where crews are actively running cables to prepare for the new system.

Campus administrators are already loving the upgraded system, noting improved visibility and a greater sense of security for students and staff. As this project continues to roll out across the district, we can't wait to see the positive impact it will have on all our campuses.

 

We’re excited to share that the Roofing Project at Huffman Elementary School is officially complete! This was made possible through the support of our community and the 2023 Bond. Thank you for your commitment to our schools!

Additional Bond Project Updates:

Safety & Security: District Cameras and Door Access Controls

• Accutek has installed approximately 75% of the new cameras at HHS and has begun running cables at HMS.

 HHS: CTE Center and Gym

• PBK is working on the construction documents (CDs) for this project. We completed the 50% review on January 15.

 HMS: Additions & Renovations

• BRW is working on the construction documents, with the 90% review completed on January 16.

HES: Miscellaneous MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)

• We are finalizing the project scope based on information from our maintenance team.

Safety & Security: Campus Hardening

• We are collaborating with Chief Williams to define the project scope, focusing on HHS and HMS to ensure all new construction meets district and state safety standards.

Operations Center (FEMA & Bond)

• The preliminary design plan review is near completion. We anticipate submitting designs to FEMA by the end of the month. FEMA approval may take 9-12 months.

Community Construction Oversight Committee

• The committee met on January 14 for a productive discussion on bond projects. The next meeting is scheduled for February 20.

We appreciate our community’s continued support as we enhance safety, security, and facilities for our students and staff!

Huffman Elementary Re-Roofing Project Wrapping Up

You may have noticed the reduction in equipment around Huffman Elementary School as the re-roofing project begins to demobilize and prepare for completion and final inspection. The project began the week of July 30^{th, w}ith an expected completion target of October 25^th. Due to weather days (allowed by contract) and a few additions to the project scope, the revised expected completion date is now December 17^th. In preparation, some equipment, such as forklifts, dumpsters, and fencing, has already been removed to reduce the contractor’s footprint.

Argio Roofing has been attentive to detail and very responsive to any job site incidentals throughout the project. The good news is that even with the minor additions made to the scope of this project, we are expected to finish under budget.

Prior to the official project completion, a final “punch walk” will take place. This is an inspection where representatives from the district, the architect, the roofing consultant, our program manager, the roofing materials manufacturer, and Argio Roofing will all take a detailed walk-through and identify any remaining items or approve the completed work product. This final step also begins the official warranty period.

Stay tuned as we continue to take a closer look at all of the projects that make up our Bond Initiatives.

 

Safety and Security: Cameras and Door Access Controls

The district is excited to announce that work on the project has officially begun.

Over the past several weeks, Accutek conducted a detailed walkthrough with the district’s technology team. This review identified the need for slight adjustments to the original plan. Since the project was designed with open performance specifications, these changes are necessary to ensure successful implementation.

In preparation, the district collaborated closely with Accutek and the project engineer to finalize pre-production plans and address the required modifications. Thanks to this careful planning, the project is now well underway.

 

Design Development Documents to be Considered at This Month's Board Meeting

In design, construction, and architecture, DD stands for Design Development. This is one of the key phases in the architectural design process, following the Schematic Design (SD) phase and preceding the Construction Documents (CD) phase.

Key Features of the Design Development Phase:

1. Refinement of Schematic Designs:

   • The conceptual ideas developed during the Schematic Design phase are refined and detailed. This includes selecting materials, finishes, and systems.

2. Integration of Systems:

   • Structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are coordinated and integrated into the design.

3. Detailed Drawings and Specifications:

   • While not as detailed as Construction Documents, the DD phase includes more specific drawings and outlines to illustrate the size, appearance, and details of the project.

4. Cost Estimation:

   • A more accurate cost estimate is developed during this phase, as materials and systems are chosen.

5. Stakeholder Input:

   • The client and other stakeholders review and provide feedback to ensure the design aligns with the project goals and budget.

The DD phase bridges conceptual design and technical documentation, ensuring that the project is well-planned before moving into the detailed Construction Documents phase.

 

A Closer Look at Educational Programming

At this time, our HMS and HS/CTE projects are working through the Design Development stage. We are finalizing what these spaces will look like and how they will function and flow. But, taking a step back, how did the District decide what classrooms and career programs were most important to current and future students? The planning process is called Educational Programming. 

HISD brought together key stakeholders, like administrators, educators, community leaders and programming experts to define the classrooms, subjects and square footage needs, based on current and future student populations and lots of feedback from focus meetings.

At HMS, our renovations will not only add much needed new classroom space, but we get to resolve issues such as crowded hallways, by implementing classroom groupings by grade level, adding additional restrooms for students and teachers, and improving the cafeteria flow. 

For the CTE project, the process began by looking at our current programming and deciding what new opportunities are needed and which current studies should be expanded. Focusing on choosing career opportunities that provide exciting but realistic career pathways for students. Then touring several other schools to see what is new and trending in educational architecture. As a result, we are implementing progressive, NextGen learning environment concepts, including small student collaboration areas, and flexible classrooms that leave room for continued growth. We know our students are going to love these new spaces and the exciting new opportunities ahead!

An overview of our planned programming for CTE is shown below (not final and subject to minor changes.

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned as plan to share next some of the exciting changes that occur during the Design Development phase which will be presented for Board approval at the November 18^th meeting.

Spotlight on the Architects

Once the board approved the Schematic Design of the CTE Building, HHS Gymnasium and HMS Expansion last month, we quickly moved into the Design Phase. As we continue to refine these spaces and focus on the details, we wanted to take a moment to spotlight the Architects working behind the scenes. They continue to drive these projects forward. For the CTE Building and the HHS Gymnasium projects we are working with PBK and for the Middle School expansion project we are working with BRW.

The proposal process was very thorough, and these architects led over their competition based on strict criteria set to help identify those architecture firms that would deliver the best quality and innovation to our district. A few highlights and notable accomplishments of our winning architects are listed below.

PBK Architects, Inc. – CTE & HHS Gym Projects

Brown Reynolds Watford Architects (“BRW”) – HMS Renovation Project

Schematic Design was presented to the Board at the September Board meeting on the CTE Building, HHS Gymnasium, and the HMS Expansion. 

Preliminary Front Elevation of CTE Building

 Preliminary Elevation of Gym Entrance

HHS Gym Location