Sequim school leaders took the next step addressing a number of facility maintenance and infrastructure issues across each of the district’s campuses on March 15, approving the release of a request for qualifications (RFQ) to oversee a $15 million capital project plan.

Local voters in early February approved a four-year capital project levy — alongside a replacement Educational Programs and Operations levy — to pay for roof replacements at Greywolf Elementary and Sequim Middle School, updated science rooms and heating/cooling systems at Sequim High School, a kitchen remodel at Helen Haller Elementary, water and sewer connections for Olympic Peninsula Academy buildings and a number of other of facility improvements at each of the district’s five school buildings and district office.

The funds, to be collected over the next four years, could also pay for substantial technology upgrades across the school district.

Last week, board directors unanimously agreed to send out the RFQ as they seek a company to oversee the capital improvements.

Superintendent Jane Pryne said the selected company would act like a general contractor, hiring out subcontractors as needed.

“There is a broad range of projects (so we are) hoping they have experience in doing these types of projects,” she said.

Pryne said school district staff would be closely involved with the managing firm “to make sure they’re spending our money properly.”

“We’ve already had some interest,” said Darlene Apeland, the school district’s Director of Business Operations and Finance.

She said the district hopes to have a firm selected on or around April 19.

Pryne said the overall cost of hiring a management firm is likely based on the scope of the project.

“I haven’t done a capital projects RFQ in a few years so things may have changed,” she said,

Apeland said the district will start receiving capital project levy funds in April 2022.

For more about the Sequim School District, see sequimschools.org.