Project Overview 

A large charter school network in Texas, serving more than 45,000 students across seven regional districts and over 60 campuses engaged Spire to perform an independent, data-driven assessment of its construction program to support continued enrollment growth and future campus development. The review focused on evaluating whether the organization’s structure, processes, tools, and controls were appropriately sized and aligned to support consistent, scalable delivery of new K-12 campuses statewide. 

Client Challenge 

The client’s construction program demonstrated strong performance, including reliable on-time campus openings and disciplined cost control, while operating with a lean internal team managing a growing portfolio of concurrent projects. As the program matured and project volumes increased, an objective evaluation was requested to identify opportunities to strengthen internal capacity, standardize owner-side processes, improve portfolio-level visibility, and reduce reliance on institutional knowledge—all while maintaining strong cost and schedule outcomes. 

Spire’s Role & Approach 

Spire conducted a comprehensive strategic review of the client’s construction program using a structured, benchmark-driven methodology. Key elements of Spire’s scope included: 

  • Reviewing historical cost and schedule data for completed and planned campuses 
  • Evaluating organizational structure, staffing capacity, and external partner roles 
  • Assessing owner-side processes across site selection, design, procurement, construction, and closeout 
  • Benchmarking cost, schedule, staffing, and process maturity against peer K-12 capital programs and industry standards 
  • Interviewing leadership and project staff and conducting site visits to gather operational insights 
  • Developing actionable recommendations and a phased implementation roadmap focused on scalability, consistency, and visibility 

Results & Impact 

  • Confirmed that the client’s construction program delivers cost and schedule performance within peer benchmark ranges despite recent market escalation. 
  • Identified targeted opportunities to reduce reactive workload and strengthen proactive oversight through organizational and reporting enhancements. 
  • Delivered a prioritized roadmap addressing staffing, cost management, scheduling, procurement, processes, KPIs, and technology. 
  • Provided the client with a clear, data-supported path to standardize processes, enhance portfolio-level reporting, and support long-term growth. 

Construction Advisory