Brighton Schools Choose Project Manager for Tech Portion of Bond

Brighton Superintendent Greg Gray said Thursday he expects to proceed immediately with the technology portion of the $88.4 million bond , now that school board members unanimously approved a contractor.

With a 5-0 vote, the group hired Barton Malow of Southfield. The company's work will be limited to the Series I of the technology bond. That portion will cost the district $800,000. Project management is not needed for Series II, which will consist mainly of replacing technology equipment. The total cost of the technology bond is $16.1 million.

Brighton Area Schools' Director of Technology Elson Liu advised board members that contracting with Barton Malow for technical design and project management services is better than relying on vendor expertise, where vendors have incentives to charge more for projects and suggest items that aren't necessary for the district.

"Barton Malow has track record of thinking outside the box in terms of helping districts save money," Liu said.

Barton Malow has experience installing security cameras in Hartland High School, Pinckney Schools, Livingston Education Service Agecy (LESA), Liu said.

The last major investment in technology for the district was in 1998. The bond will install a wireless network, new computers, interactive classroom technology, multi-media presentation technologies and security technology in schools.

Gray said he expects it to take roughly six to eight months to complete the infrastructure, but after that there will be a quick implementation of loose equipment such as teaching tools like smartboards, tablets and computers.

For more information and updates on the Brighton Area Schools bond, visit the district website.