The Project Advisory Team at Sterling High Schools meets to discuss the new facility being planned under the 2012 bond program.

HISD is currently setting up Project Advisory Teams for each construction project. The goal is to ensure that school and community members have the opportunity to take part in the planning and design of new schools and to monitor the progress of construction.

Members remain with the team for the entire project, usually two to three years. All meetings are open to the public.

From the start, the PATs will be briefed on the budget, schedule and general scope of work set by the Board of Education. The teams will review educational specifications, drawings and work schedules. They will work with the architect, design and construction management staffs to ensure the projects meet their budgets throughout the design process. PATs will also help organize and participate in community meetings during the design process, which may last up to 24 months. 

Among their responsibilities, the teams will help select colors for flooring materials, paint for walls, colors and fabric for furnishings, and provide input about the exterior appearance of the building. 

Problems or concerns identified by PAT members will be reported to the HISD Project Manager. As the work unfolds, the teams will participate in tours of the construction sites and get progress updates. The PATs, in turn, will help share those updates with their school communities, including neighbors, parents and businesses.

HISD is committed to achieving quality work that meets the district’s standards of excellence by completing construction projects on time and within budget. The use of PATs has proven effective in ensuring that site-specific program needs are addressed and incorporated into each project.