New Firm Hired to Oversee Pell School Construction

The Newport School Committee unanimously approved the appointment of Farrar Associates to oversee the construction process of the Claiborne d. Pell Elementary School on Tuesday night's meeting. 

The previously hired firm as the owner's representative, Strategic Building Solutions, recently resigned citing that difficult project dynamics had “made a difficult situation nearly politically impossible to navigate."

“Not only was Farrar the lowest responsible bidder, but they were the only bidder who has had experience with the Newport Public Schools and has had experience with a project that was funded by the Rhode Island Department of Education, ” said Superintendent John H. Ambrogi. 

Ambrogi  said that he is confident the firm will be able to work with the school, HFMH architects and the community to ensure the project falls within budget. Payments to the firm as outlined in the contract are not to exceed $335,200.