By David Fleet
Editor
Goodrich-On Feb. 4, the school board of trustees voted 7-0 selecting the services of Pontiac based Auch Construction for management of an upcoming bond and or sinking fund project.
“Auch’s experience will lead us through both the planning and election process,” said Ryan Relken, district superintendent. “There project management style is well suited to the districts visions and goals and allows for flexibility as adjustments need to be made. Their fee structure also allows for flexibility depending on the level of participation of district staff which can result in substantial savings over the course of the project.”
The fee structure set by Auch was for more flexible depending on the amount of work the district wanted. The next step will be putting a planning committee together for the needs and vision of the district’s projects. Auch will meet with the members and help select an architect so they can determine what the future projects will look like.
In November the school board of trustees voted 7-0 to move forward with the exploration of a district bond and/or sinking fund for possible vote in November 2019. On Oct. 15, district building and site committee had consulted with the school district attorney to discuss the district’s facility needs.
Last month during a special meeting the school board of trustees interviewed two companies for construction management services for the facilities bond project.
Representatives from Pontiac based Auch Construction and Southfield based Barton Malow each provided the board information regarding their respective company. The construction management teams are responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and control of a project from beginning to completion.
“We will operate in a manner that educates the public on what our options are and getting that feedback,” said Kurt Schulte, trustee. “And giving a fair opportunity for people to weigh in on thoughts and to ask questions.”
According to the Michigan Association of School Boards a sinking fund millage is assessed every year for however many years the funds are approved. With bond issues, the district receives all the funds from the assessed mills upfront and then it is paid back over a number of years.

Details of the project have not been confirmed, however, Ryan Relken, district superintendent outlined some considerations.
“The next step will be for an architect,” said Relken. “Currently, space at Reid and Oaktree elementary buildings are maxed out, the numbers (of students) are returning and our School of Choice (enrollment) in kindergarten alone is at 40 right now. Parents are seeing what’s going on in Goodrich and want to be a part of it. In addition, the facilities at the middle and high schools are not at the level the need to be.”
The timeline for the project is possibly going to the State Treasury in July for a November vote.
“These dates are not firm,” he said.