Winchester to issue RFP for Garland‑Quarles elementary facility study; board invited to participate in selection

Winchester Public Schools plans to release a request for proposals for an architectural and engineering study of the Garland‑Quarles Elementary campus, staff told the school board on Sept. 8, seeking board participation on the selection committee.

A district presenter identified in the transcript as Jeff (district staff) said the city budgeted funds this year to study the campus infrastructure — not to design a new school but to assess whether to pursue full renovation, partial replacement or an entire rebuild for the roughly 75‑year‑old building. The study’s scope will include building and site assessment, hazmat and environmental analysis, program‑space confirmation and community engagement as needed.

"We want them to focus on ... advice and recommendation of whether or not we go full renovation, maybe a partial renovation and a partial replacement, or we'd replace the entire building," the presenter said. The district plans to issue the RFP by the end of the week (or early next week), allow about 30 days for proposals, include board members on the vendor selection committee and aim to begin the study in November with a final report targeted for April or May.

The presenter said increasing the school’s size could allow the district to move fifth graders back to the elementary level in the future, an option the study will evaluate.

No board action was required at the meeting; staff sought expressions of interest for board member participation on the selection committee and said they would circulate participation options to the board.