JCHS Project Update

by Dewey Terrill

http://www.jcpost.com/2018/02/27/jchs-project-update/

The work to build a new Junction City High School is still in the early stages but a number of topics were touched on during a report by the Chief Operations Officer for USD 475 David Wild to city, county and board of education elected officials on Monday.

The bullet points include:

• It is lawful and legal for the proposed land site to be transferred to USD 475. A court decision in the eminent domain case that can determine value of the property is expected in mid to late April.
• Kaw Valley Engineering has completed a survey of the 160-acre property, which is west of Junction City and north of K-18 highway.
• Architects have completed interviews with the JCHS staff and administration.
• There will be a public comment period for the schematic design process this spring where the public can give input.
• Construction manager at risk proposals will be considered. One of the factors in the selection will be their ability to use local businesses and workforce.
• A delegation from the school district and community have visited new school sites in Wichita and the Kansas City area and have another trip planned to the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. The goal there is to gather concepts and ideas.
• During the trips they have seen continued movement toward technical education and project work done in a collaborative environment.
• The new schools visited have a mall type environment, are clean, aesthetically pleasing and have secure entrance ways.

A maximum of $105 million has been allotted for the new JCHS project. It will be paid for by a combination of federal heavy impact aid money and state aid.