The Whitefish School District approved a project delivery contract for the high school’s academic and athletic improvements at a board meeting Jan. 14.  

The district anticipates beginning construction on the athletic expansion portion of the project this spring or summer, with completion by spring 2026.  Construction could start for the academic improvements to the high school in spring 2026 with completion by fall or winter 2027, according to the contract.

Luke Hammon, owner’s representative for the project, said that the tentative schedule is “a fast-track to get the athletic facility done sooner than the building.”  

“There’s some key things that need to happen to make those dates,” he said. “If we don’t hit the dates with the track and field, then things get pushed with the building as well.”  

The athletic improvements can begin before the school expansion, Hammond said, because that portion has fewer design and permitting requirements.  

“From what I understand, we have a creative architect firm that we selected,” Trustee Katie Clarke said at the meeting. “How much wiggle room is there design wise?”  

Flexibility with the initial renderings presented with the bond proposal that voters approved is not based on the actual pictures, but the language of the bond. 

“The bond language was worded in a way that was sufficiently vague so that architects can utilize creative design abilities while making the project efficient,” Hamman said. “But they definitely must adhere to the language and concept passed.” 

The architect will need to come to the board at least twice, for preliminary and final plans, so there will be further opportunity for feedback in the future, Megan Morris, a legal counselor who joined the meeting remotely.  

“The goal is to bring in contractors at an early time so that they can work with the architects to build an aesthetic but cost-efficient project,” Morris said. “So, it is not unusual that changes are made to preliminary designs because there hasn’t yet been enough inquiry on the best bang for your buck.” 

The bond financial committee is working on getting bond insurance quotes with the aim of purchasing a policy.  

“Based on recent bond offerings for Laurel, Polson, Lewistown and other schools, it made sense to buy the insurance policy to elevate us to a AA credit rating,” said Bridget Ekstrom, D.A. Davidson financial advisor.  

The AA rating would lower interest rates.  

The bonds will become available for purchase Feb. 4 and will close Feb. 20. The board will adopt the final bond resolution at the next business meeting Feb. 11.