The Wilkes Architectural Selection Committee unanimously recommended the Bainbridge Island School Board select Mahlum Architects for the school replacement project Thursday.

The committee, which consists of school board members, school district staff, and community members, received nine submissions.

“The quality of submissions was outstanding, making it difficult to narrow the field of candidates,” Capital Projects Director Tamela VanWinkle said.

The committee interviewed four firms: Bassetti, Mahlum, McGranahan and Studio Meng Strazzara and chose to tour Mahlum and McGranahan.

During the tours, the committee evaluated important criteria such as classroom spaces, exterior considerations (bus access and traffic flow), maintenance and custodial concerns, and building entrances.

“The committee recommended that Mahlum Architects’ most recent work parallels the scope of work necessary to accomplish Bainbridge Island School District goals,” a district press release said.

The next step will be to develop the educational specifications. The “ed spec” committee will also be composed of a variety of community and district members.

“The committee members brought an amazingly wide range of expertise and experience to the table,” Wilkes principal Sheryl Belt said. “We had ample time to have thoughtful discussions, and I think we all feel pleased to have been a part of a great process.”