The Kenai Peninsula Borough and the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District are making steady progress on the Soldotna Elementary School and Soldotna Preparatory School projects, which are components of the $65 million bond approved by voters in 2022.
The renovation of the Prep building and replacement of Soldotna Elementary accounted for $40 million of that $65 million bond, which included multiple school projects across the Borough.
The cost estimates for those projects were based, in part, on the KPBSD 6-year capital plan and were developed with standard contingencies to account for rising costs over time. However, in the ensuing years, these projects, like capital projects across the country, have suffered from the unprecedented inflationary spike in building materials and construction services costs.
John Hedges, KPB’s Purchasing and Contracting Director, said, “We are not alone in dealing with accelerated cost. Municipalities all over the United States, including Alaska, are facing cost increases accompanied by a shortage of professional services, skilled labor, trades, and contractors. The selected bond projects were structured in a way that allowed for prioritization and scope reduction but not to the magnitude of the impacts we have seen and are seeing in the marketplace.”
Recognizing the need for a fresh approach to address the gap between funding and project costs, the borough, under the administration of Mayor Peter Micciche, collaborated with KPBSD to develop an updated plan through a series of collaborative meetings.
Out of those meetings, a request for proposals (RFP) was recently issued. The successful firm will be charged with supporting the steering committee recently created by KPB and KPBSD. Mayor Micciche and Superintendent Holland selected this committee for its expertise and professional and personal experience with project development and educational programs.
The steering committee includes parents and teachers, as well as KPB and KPBSD directors, and it is tasked with developing the Ed Spec, a detailed project scope that will be used for the design development of the project. The committee will establish priorities within the project scope and ultimately provide both administrations with a recommendation on how best to move forward with the two projects within the constraints of the $40 million budget.
Mayor Peter Micciche said, “The thief in the night some call inflation has changed what was originally possible for these projects. This is about solving a $12-15 million mathematical funding gap, while determining the most effective way forward to ensure that the KPB/KPBSD is meeting the needs of our local school children while being accountable to local taxpayers. It is important that folks understand that this project is not just about Soldotna Elementary but about all kids who attend the various schools located near Soldotna.
“KPB and KPBSD team members and concerned citizens must work together, pushing aside individual agendas to ensure the best outcome for area students today and well into the future.” Superintendent Clayton Holland added, “Our vision is to create schools that foster collaboration and innovation across multiple programs, from Soldotna Elementary and Redoubt Elementary to Montessori Charter School, River City Academy, and the Connections Home School program. With this renewed focus, we’re committed to providing safe, modern, and inspiring spaces that will support and serve our students for years to come.”
At an upcoming meeting, the assembly will review the School Board’s recommendation and vote on authorizing the award of a contract to a selected consultant. Once a consultant has been selected, the steering committee will hold its first meeting, utilizing the consultant as a resource in making these projects successful.
