Libby Public Schools last week began mailing out requests seeking a project manager for the upcoming renovation projects planned this summer.

Libby Superintendent Craig Barringer said the district mailed letters to three companies, all Montana-based, to request a specialist that can oversee energy-efficient renovations to the elementary and central school buildings.

The projects will be financed by a $4 million mill levy tax voters approved about a month ago, the first to pass on the ballot in 14 years.

The deadline for project manager applications is July 1. The school board will select the applicant on July 7, during their monthly board meeting. Barringer said once the district selects a project manager it will begin the bidding process for projects ahead.

“We are hoping to do some lights and a few other smaller projects,” Barringer said. “We’d like to be able to do some of the roofs this year if we could, but we think we’ll be able to get one of the roofs done this year.”

Among those roofs are the elementary and central school roofs. Barringer said the Central School Building, in poor condition, is the priority of the two.

“Central School Building is in the worst shape, without question,” he said. The school district has decided to rebuild the roof to more energy-efficient standards, with materials and construction that would allow the roof to last much longer.

“We’re just making sure we get the best bang for our buck,” Barringer said.

Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at slarson@dailyinterlake.com