Final Partner Selection Nears as $161.5M Bonds Fund Phillips County Schools

Superintendent Rex Weltz’s Friday Flyer, published January 23, 2026, confirmed Phillips County Schools has moved into the final stages of procuring partners to deliver $161.5 million in voter-approved school construction and renovation. The district closed two bond sales - $31.5 million and $130 million - with favorable interest rates and interest-cost savings that the district says will support multi-year capital projects and community programming.

The most immediate procurement milestone is Kessler Elementary. General contractor-construction manager (GCCM) submissions for Kessler were due January 26, and the school board is expected to approve the final firm in the first week of February. Those steps mark the shift from planning to contractor selection, a timing signal that site work and longer lead-time purchases can be scheduled later this spring. In addition to Kessler, the flyer outlined construction and planning milestones for Helena High School and the associated alternative learning projects (HHS/PAL), and reiterated ongoing renovation planning for Central High School.

The flyer highlighted community and student supports running alongside construction work. Announcements included recent donations, Helena Education Foundation Great Ideas and Spark Grants, winter programming, and expanded media and arts training opportunities for students through MAPS Media Institute. The district also published a multi-week calendar spanning January 24 through February 7 with board work sessions, parent-teacher conferences, Kessler procurement deadlines, and school events to keep families and vendors informed.

From an economic perspective, Rex Weltz emphasized projected job creation and local procurement tied to the construction program. The two closed bond sales provide immediate capital and, with lower borrowing costs, reduce projected interest expenses over the life of the financing. That combination can increase the portion of bond proceeds available for bricks-and-mortar work, locally sourced subcontracting, and community-focused complements such as student programming and grants.

The flyer serves as the district’s official communications hub; it includes links and contact directions for families and vendors interested in bidding or seeking program information. Key deadlines remain active: the Kessler GCCM RFQ/RFP was due January 26 and Helena Education Foundation grant deadlines are listed in the flyer.

For Phillips County residents, the coming weeks will show whether contractor selection stays on schedule and when crews will mobilize. Expect the school board’s early February decision to set the pace for contracting, local hiring, and the timing of visible construction at Kessler, Helena High, and Central High.