Bainbridge school officials are grappling with higher-than-expected costs for replacing the 100 Building at Bainbridge High School.
Funding for a replacement 100 Building — including a new theater for BHS — was included in an $81.2 million bond measure passed by Bainbridge voters in 2016. The bond directed $30 million toward a new 100 Building, as well as $39 million for a new Captain Johnston Blakely Elementary (now under construction).
But cost estimates for a new 100 Building have skyrocketed since 2016.
The estimate for the 100 Building now stands at $36.2 million, up from the $31.4 million estimate made three years ago.
The rising estimates have prompted a complete switch in how the Bainbridge High campus will be developed. Officials are now considering converting the commons at Bainbridge High into a theater, and moving the commons area to the new 100 Building.
The school district is also considering building the project in phases, which could see the creation of a new performance center delayed until more funding is obtained.
Spaces for the educational programs used on a daily basis would be built first, and the student commons would be relocated to a more centralized location. School officials support the move of the commons, as its current location provides a challenge to campus security.
Phase II would convert the current commons into a performance center after additional funds are obtained.
How the district will bridge the gap of rising costs is still uncertain.
Suggestions so far have included private fundraising, passing another capital bond or levy measure, or using non-voter debt. Another idea has been to sell “naming rights” for the new theater.
In a briefing during the last school board meeting on the project, however, some on the school board expressed concerns about going to voters for more money for the project, and noted that the school district must follow through on its commitment to build the theater.
A steering committee that was formed for the 100 Building replacement project has unanimously recommended converting the BHS Commons into a theater.
The benefits include a lower project cost — renovation is less costly than new construction — but more room for educational programs. Supports say the change could result in $3 million in cost reductions for the project.
One downside: The seating capacity of the new theater will be constrained by the existing space in the building, leaving room for 320 to 420 seats.
The 100 Building is currently home to CTE programs (career, technology, special education) and fine/performing arts.
Officials said the high rate of construction in the Puget Sound region has caused a competition for resources which has led to unprecedented construction costs.
“Cost escalation continues to challenge our work,” said Tamela Van Winkle, executive director of Facilities and Operations for the Bainbridge Island School District. “It is forcing us to make some difficult choices.”
Even so, Van Winkle said the change in plans has prompted much support.
“The 100 Building Committee is very pleased with the architect’s ability to manage costs and respond creatively to our educational program requirements and security concerns. At the end of the two phases, we will have a commons at the heart of the campus, a CTE environment that inspires students, and an outstanding performance venue,” Van Winkle added.
A tentative vote on how to move forward with the 100 Building project is planned for the May 31 school board meeting.
