School district embarks on bond program
Northview Public Schools (NPS) is an award-winning district in Grand Rapids, Mich., acknowledged for the high caliber of its graduates and the high quality of its staff. After engaging Plante Moran Realpoint (PMR), formerly Plante Moran Cresa, to provide enrollment projections and a comprehensive facility condition assessment, the district learned about PMR’s bond planning services and brought on our experts to assist in assembling the PQ application and planning the bond information campaign.
In 2020, voters approved the $36.7 million bond aimed to make districtwide improvements targeting its three elementary schools and two middle schools. The improvements encompassed a range of areas including playgrounds, the performing arts center, bathrooms, track and learning spaces with the objective to provide upgrades to building infrastructure, security, and technology.
Owner’s representative delivers results for school district
With the bond funds secured, PMR was engaged for owner’s representation services to oversee the bond program. PMR helped the district with procuring professional services and contract negotiations before overseeing the design and construction activities throughout the four-year program.
Our team’s value as an advocate for NPS was highlighted by our ability to condense the timeline of the bond program to avoid unnecessary construction costs. Our strategic phasing allowed the district to complete the bond projects a year earlier than planned. In addition, with proactive planning during the pandemic’s historically high construction cost escalation, PMR helped the district avoid 15% to 20% in additional costs.
Renovated school facilities enjoyed by community
During an extended period of uncertainty in the supply chain and construction market, NPS fully recognized the value of an owner’s representative in PMR when the program was completed in 2023, a year earlier than planned. NPS students and staff are fully realizing the investment of their community. Major projects from the 2020 bond program include:
- New secure entrances, playgrounds, and busses
- Renovated classrooms, bathrooms, and track for elementary and middle schools
- Performing arts center improvements
- Improved air conditioning
- Parking lot/parent drop-off upgrades
If your district is planning a capital program, give our experts a call today. We provide the technical knowledge and experience of working with 100+ school districts so that you can focus on what matters most — education.
