FCCPS Selects Hess Construction As Contractor for TJ Expansion Project

Thomas Jefferson Elementary School came a step closer to replacing their trailers for more classrooms Tuesday night.

Falls Church City Public Schools board voted unanimously to select Hess Construction & Engineering Services to complete the expansion project at the school.

Bob Jones of Arcadis, the consulting firm that oversees construction management services for FCCPS, attended the board meeting Tuesday to present the criteria upon which Hess was evaluated and ultimately selected. The determining factors included the environmental impact, technology requirements and the separation of the construction process from the day to day operations of the school, as much of the building will take place while students and teachers are in classes.

“After consideration of each proposal, the ASAC committee is recommending by unanimous decision that we select Hess Construction to enter negotiations to reach a comprehensive agreement,” Jones said.

In a closed session, the school board also evaluated each proposal, and also voted unanimously to select Hess.

Members of the school board and city council narrowed the applicant field from 12 to three, allowing the final three applicants to present their designs to the Architect Selection and Advisory Committees (ASAC). This process ensured that all parties involved in the TJ Expansion Project were able to have their input considered.

“ASAC is made up of teachers, community members, administrators and virtually people from every department in our division,” said FCCPS Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones.

Construction on the project is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2012, with a scheduled completion date of early 2013, meaning the expansion project would be completed and ready for the 2013-2014 academic year.