Seattle Public Schools

Seattle Public Schools initiated its Building Excellence Program (BEX) in 1995 to replace or upgrade school facilities that had outlived their useful lives. Many of the schools had been built in the early 1900s to 1920s and had not been renovated or upgraded for decades. Some other facilities were simply too small to support the local student population. Since 1993, Heery has had an ongoing relationship with the district, having consistently worked with Seattle Schools for four consecutive bond programs. Throughout this long partnership, Heery and the District have evolved together through various project types, delivery methods, bidding climates, a dynamic community culture and public scrutiny, and an earthquake. These programs have utilized GC/CM, co-located campuses, accelerated schedules and occupied sites. The success of these programs is supported by the continual bond approval by Seattle voters and numerous project awards.

Ron English (retired) Deputy General Counsel for the District described, “Heery has the ability to add staff to problem projects and to add or shift personnel on those rare occasions when an individual leaves. On a program lasting five or more years (this is essential) and Heery has always stepped up. In addition, Heery continues to improve; they use a ‘lessons learned’’ approach from one project to the next.”