The Oak Harbor School District is bringing in some extra help for the big high school renovation project approved by voters.

The school board Monday approved hiring Seattle-based Heery Corporation to manage the project. The project management services will cost the school district approximately $1.3 million.

Superintendent Rick Schulte said the scope of the $74 million renovation project warranted the hiring of additional project management services.

The school district received proposals from five companies. Schulte said Heery was the best fit for the position.

“Heery was clearly superior,” Schulte told the school board. “Heery’s ability to manage costs in real time and its information management system were all pluses.”

He said Heery’s project manager will help with the details associated with such a large project while the school district’s construction manager, Gary Goltz, will work to resolve issues the city may have. Goltz will also be responsible for change orders that could occur throughout the project.

“Gary’s going to be more of a big picture guy,” Schulte said.

Schulte said, considering the competitive construction market in the region, the school district is fortunate to have locked down a project manager for the next four years.

The school board unanimously approved the contract. Board member Kathy Jones was absent from Monday’s meeting.