Bayfield School District officials look to put together a “Master Facilities Plan” to address long-term maintenance needs for multiple, decades-old school buildings.

The district’s Board of Education on Feb. 27 authorized Assistant Superintendent Bill Hesford to issue a Request for Qualifications proposal to launch the plan, which partially stems from the Bayfield Middle School building – which was built in 1977 – having various maintenance issues like a leaking roof, according to a news release on the district’s website.

“The master plan should explore a variety of options, based on a thorough assessment of the facilities, to develop a strategic implementation plan for the long term facility needs,” the proposal document says.

The district is in the process of searching for a company that will put together a plan about what to do with the buildings. Prospective planners interested in responding to the proposal are invited to attend an optional site visit on Thursday.

The deadline for applicants to submit their proposals is March 28.

Finalists will be interviewed on April 8, and the committee will decide on the top candidate that same day.

Creating the plan will help identify a long-term course of action for the Bayfield Middle School building. The plan will also address some aging systems at the Bayfield High School building, which was built in 1997, the release said.

The district also wants to assess the condition of a building – now leased by Pueblo Community College and currently being used as a maintenance office – that was built in 1923 and featured a historic gymnasium.

The district also wants to look into a facility built in 1950, which is one of the district’s original buildings and is currently being used by the Wolverine Academy alternative school.

Those who are interested or have questions about the plan should contact Hesford before March 14 at 884-2496 or bhesford@bayfield.k12.co.us, according to the release.

mhollinshead@durangoherald.com