The USD 470 Arkansas City Public Schools Board of Education has approved Kansas City-based McCownGordon Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk for the district’s upcoming bond projects.
According to the district, a selection committee interviewed three firms before ranking McCownGordon highest with a score of 86.5.
The company will work alongside Wichita-based Schaefer Architecture and the district during planning and construction to help develop timelines, refine cost estimates and coordinate construction activities.
Projects currently in the planning and design phase include secure entrance upgrades at Adams and Roosevelt elementary schools, improvements at Arkansas City Middle School, renovation of the former medical clinic property on Radio Lane and construction of a new early childhood center.
District officials noted the public may not see visible construction activity immediately as design work, scheduling and cost estimates continue to be finalized.
“We’re excited to take this next step, but our focus is on doing the work carefully and doing it right,” Interim Superintendent Will Pfannenstiel said in a statement. Continue below ad.
Pfannenstiel also thanked members of the district’s selection committee for their work during the process.
The bond issue was approved by voters in November 2025 and included major renovations at Arkansas City Middle School, districtwide infrastructure upgrades and construction of a new early childhood center. District officials previously said the bond package was designed to address aging facilities, improve school security and modernize learning spaces across the district.
The district said updates will continue to be shared as project timelines and construction milestones are finalized.
