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JGA Architects, a specialist in architectural and planning services located in Billings, Montana, will assist in estimating the loss, create a plan for the design of the new high school, and help organize community meetings.
Three billings contractors are trying to ascertain the precise cost of rebuilding the school, with submission of figures due on February 17.
Meanwhile, a temporary campus has been created for students till the new building is constructed. Trailers are being used as office space and classrooms. To prevent pipes from freezing during the winter season, the trailers feature insulated skirting. One trailer is being used by students as a commons area. Including the library, there are a total of 11 buildings at the site. Some area has been allotted for a temporary 70-by-110-foot gym.
The school district has collected over $4 million in claims from its insurance firm for temporary expenditure and for replacing equipment and supplies destroyed in the fire. The school has received heavy donations from other schools and individuals, which has offset the need for replacement to some extent.
However, until an insurance settlement is finalized between the school district and the insurance firm, the damaged building will remain. The district and the insurance firm have differed on several issues regarding what parts of the school are recoverable.
Dave Mahon, superintendent of Huntley Project, hopes that students can be shifted to the new school by fall of 2010.
Built in 1966-67, Huntley Project High School, located in Worden, Montana, was destroyed by fire on September 18, 2008 by four teenagers.
