Columbus City Schools Construction Matters
Mr. Leach began working with the Columbus City Schools ("CCS") following voter approval of the 1988 bond issue and served as counsel to CCS on all aspects of the resulting $115,000,000 capital improvement program through which the District renovated over 130 buildings. Services included creating contract and other front-end documents, regular interacting with the CCS staff and construction management team, advising on mechanics' liens and claims issues, and handling of litigation and arbitration, which were successfully kept to a minimum.
Following completion of that capital improvements program, Mr. Leach collaborated with the CCS staff to update the District's contract documents, to defend bid challenges and to address other construction related disputes and issues.
Because of the quality and success of the representation, Mr. Leach and his firm were retained by CCS following a RFP process to serve as counsel for its current School Facilities Improvement Program in collaboration with the Ohio School Facilities Commission. In that capacity Mr. Leach has worked with CCS to develop and implement the 15 year Facilities Master Plan touching nearly every one of the District's buildings. Mr. Leach's services have been similar to those provided for the earlier capital projects.