Editor’s Note: The following statement was issued by Habersham County Superintendent of Schools Matthew Cooper in response to Rep. Dan Gasaway’s request for a state investigation into the local school board’s bidding practices:
“As superintendent, I state with certainty that the Habersham County School System and the Habersham County Board of Education adhered to legal and ethical practices in selecting Carroll Daniel Construction for the renovation projects at Hazel Grove and Woodville Elementary Schools. Per state law O.C.G.A. 36-91-20(c), the school system had three construction delivery methods to choose from including traditional (design bid build), design build, and construction management at risk. The school system chose the design build construction delivery method because it was the best method to meet the immediate facility needs at Hazel Grove and Woodville Elementary Schools. By definition, the design build construction delivery method involves a contract between the owner (school system) and a company who will provide both design (architect/engineer) and construction services.
The Habersham County School System advertised a request for proposal using six different means, including the school system website and the local newspaper. Interested companies were given a fair opportunity to respond to the advertised RFP and submit a proposal for the renovation projects. Three firms submitted proposals: Charles Black Construction, Parrish Construction, and Carroll Daniel Construction. A nine member committee was formed to evaluate the submitted proposals. This committee made a unanimous recommendation to the superintendent and the Board of Education to select Carroll Daniel Construction as the design build firm. After the Board of Education approved the committee’s recommendation, Carroll Daniel’s architectural partner began designing plans based on each scope of work and then bid out the construction components of the project. After bids were received and compiled by Carroll Daniel Construction, a guaranteed maximum price of $4.25 million dollars was set for the renovation projects. At no point was the selection process altered to benefit any company.
The allegation that Chris Erwin influenced the selection of a construction company is false and without any merit. Two facts clearly demonstrate just how false such an allegation is. These two facts further demonstrate the integrity used by our school system in selecting the best construction company to complete the renovation projects for our elementary schools.
The first fact is that the superintendent did not serve as a voting member of the selection committee. The nine member committee, comprised of the Hazel Grove Elementary School Principal, Woodville Elementary School Principal, Clarkesville Elementary School Principal, Elementary Schools Director, Maintenance and Facilities Director, School Nutrition Director, Technology Director, a member of our maintenance staff, and our Chief Financial Officer, voted unanimously to recommend Carroll Daniel Construction to the Board of Education. At no time did the superintendent pressure or influence the selection committee. The committee based their decision on three factors: 1) careful consideration of each proposal 2) the formal interviews conducted with each company and 3) references obtained on each company. In continuing this sound process, the Board of Education approved the committee’s unanimous recommendation to select Carroll Daniel Construction.
The second fact shows that during my six year tenure as superintendent, our school system has demonstrated integrity when selecting a construction company to meet facility needs. As an example, in 2015, our school system began the process of selecting a company to complete a much needed renovation of the high school stadium and track. The school system used the design build construction delivery method on that project. Chris Erwin was an employee of Carroll Daniel at that time, and the company submitted a proposal on the stadium renovation project. Carroll Daniel Construction was not selected. This important fact clearly demonstrates that Chris Erwin has not had influence on any decisions made by this school system, its leadership or the Board of Education.”
