Knappa School District Bond Improvements

A new middle school and gym

In 2021, the rural community of Knappa, Oregon supported a bond to build a new middle school wing, construct a gym facility, add a preschool space, and replace failing infrastructures. Recognizing our expertise in K-12 design-build projects and our insight into coastal construction needs, Knappa School District chose Klosh Group to bring their vision to life.

Planning makes perfect

The pre-planning phase was all about determining what we could accomplish with the District’s construction budget. After carefully listening to their needs, we explored nearly 100 different options before landing on seven items in the final scope. It was a meticulous, thoughtful, and inclusive process that allowed us to get full buy-in from the superintendent and other key stakeholders so the project could move forward quickly.

We also prioritized assembling the right team, including skilled local contractors, to provide the most cost-effective solutions for the District, allowing them to make the most of their bond.

Safety And cost management

As we delved further into the design process, we identified that the water flow from the original hydrant on-site would not be sufficient for all the areas requiring fire sprinklers. Working with the local fire marshal, we added another water line from the street and a new fire pump to deliver adequate flows.

Addressing the fire safety issues cost over $600,000 – none of which was included in the original bond request. We worked with Knappa School District to evaluate, prioritize, and determine which upgrades would incur the least impact if postponed while continuing to honor the bond promises. By identifying the issue early on, we also saved the District from having to pay design fees for areas that were removed from project scope.

Maximizing Value for Rural School Districts

Having deep roots in the area, we recognize that Oregon’s rural school districts often operate with more limited funding. Their budgets must stretch further, and their facilities need to stand the test of time longer than those in urban areas. That’s why Klosh Group is dedicated to providing exceptional value to these resilient rural communities and constructing facilities that will benefit future generations.