Committee backs hiring city firm to manage new EPHS project

After school programs planned for Waddington, Kent Heights

By Mike Rego
Posted 5/11/18

EAST PROVIDENCE — The efforts of the School Committee to keep the proposed construction of a new East Providence High School on pace with approaching milestones continued last week when the …

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Committee backs hiring city firm to manage new EPHS project

After school programs planned for Waddington, Kent Heights

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — The efforts of the School Committee to keep the proposed construction of a new East Providence High School on pace with approaching milestones continued last week when the body voted to approve the hiring of a project manager to help guide the district through the planning stages and the bond referendum process.
The School Committee, at its May 8 meeting, accepted the recommendation of its Building Sub-Committee to retain the services of the city-based Peregrine Group as the so-called “Owner’s Project Manager” (OPM). Peregrine will represent the district as it seeks to construct the new high school at a cost of $189,500,000.
Peregrine is being hired under a trade method known as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR). The key aspect of the method is the owner, in this case the district and the city, receives a commitment by the Construction Manager (CM), Peregrine, to deliver the project within a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), specifically the $189,500,000 figure. According to industry literature, in the CMAR model “the owner’s risk is limited by the process and provides the owner with the assurance that their budget will be maintained.”
In November, voters in city and around the state will be asked to approve two separate bond referendum items on school construction. In East Providence, the electorate will vote to approve the city seeking to back the borrowing of monies needed to build a new EPHS. Statewide, voters will be asked to approve a bond which will help offset the cost to municipalities attempting to address their school infrastructure woes.
At present, a new EPHS would be reimbursed by the state at 54.5 percent of the total cost. If the statewide bond referendum also passes, East Providence could see that percentage increase to as much as 74 if incentives built into the measure are met.
“The Owner’s Project Manager will be engaged to help us pull together requirements, select a Construction Manager at Risk as well as helping us with the information campaign on the bond,” said Ward 3 Committeeman and Building Committee chair Nate Cahoon.
Term lengths
With the recently reconfigured Canvassing Authority’s decisions to support codifying into the City Charter the term length change from two to four years voted on by the electorate back in 2012 and to also conduct full elections for municipal officers, both the City Council and School Committee this November, the latter body last week voted to table discussion on the matter as it pertains to its time in office.
According to some legal observers, any change in the composition and term of School Committees, unlike the council, must receive approval by the General Assembly under Rhode Island General Law 16-2-5. So, while the council’s term in office will change from two to four years, the committee’s will remain at two unless the assembly codifies the 2012 election result.
Last week, the committee, in essence, voted to accept the determination of the Canvassing Authority and forego any pursuit of litigation to clarify the topic for the time being, at least.
“I think the new Canvassing Authority has made a clear and legal decision. And it seems to be the sense of the School Committee that we chose not to spend additional money to fight this. Our monies are very valuable,” said Chairman Charlie Tsonos.
Kindergarten presentation
A symposium conducted by Assistant Superintendent Celeste Bowler on the Boston Kindergarten Program to be implemented at the elementary school level later this year will take place May 29 at the Martin Middle School from 6-7 p.m.
The gathering is open to all prospective parents throughout the district are welcome to attend the presentation on the pilot program being established in district for the start of the 2018-19 term.
The night’s agenda includes an introduction to the building principals, a presentation on the program, a question and answer period and a “meet your principal” session.
After School Program
Superintendent Crowley told the committee after-school programs at buildings where one is not currently available are in the offing for next term.
The programs, led by a group called “Right at School,” are going to be established on site at both Waddington and Kent Heights Elementary Schools. The superintendent said the new programs are “a little more academic, almost like an extension of the school day.” The program will offer supervised homework availability as well as other potential curricula.
Principals from those schools met with the directors of the program, the superintendent saying they were “very excited” about the prospects.
Currently, the YMCA and East Providence Boys & Girls Club offer after-school programs at the other six elementary buildings. Orlo Avenue Principal Yanaiza Gallant, whose building currently uses the Y program, requested her school be able to participate in the new offering. The superintendent did not say if that request will be met.

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