This month, the DC Department of General Services (DGS) collected proposals from construction companies interested in the contract for modernizing Murch. DGS, in consultation with DC Public Schools (DCPS), is now reviewing the submitted proposals and plans to select a builder in the next several weeks.

Meanwhile, the question on everyone’s mind continues to be about swing space. “Swing space” is the term used to describe where students will attend class during the two-year construction project. The School Improvement Team (SIT) has urged DGS to explore any and all possible options to find a way to maintain a cohesive learning environment throughout the modernization — and to do so this fall. DGS and DCPS have said that they hope to have a decision in November.

To evaluate the options for swing space, DGS asked contractors to include in their proposal information on how swing space on the Murch site might be accommodated. The agency has made clear, however, that there has been no decision made on whether the swing space will be on or off site. DGS issued a Request for Space, which is the formal mechanism for commercially-owned properties to identify space available in their buildings and the terms under which it is available. They are also reaching out to property managers at several sites in the neighborhood at the suggestion of the School Improvement Team (SIT) and community members.

Finding a suitable site to either rent space or set up a portable school (as done at nearby Lafayette Elementary), is a challenging problem, especially in our neighborhood. The SIT and the HSA will continue to push for a good solution and will strive to keep the community informed as more information is available. For more information on planning for the project, presentations from all SIT meetings are available online on the DGS website.