HAMEL/EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 has officially issued a request for qualifications for the construction project at Hamel Elementary School.
During the Board of Education’s regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, Superintendent Dr. Allen Duncan explained that the district is seeking an architecture firm to complete the necessary construction at Hamel Elementary School.
“Basically, they’re giving us their pitch,” he explained. “Once we vet the different architects and we select one, then we will be bringing that recommendation to the Board. Then we’ll be having discussions on next steps for Hamel.”
Requests for qualifications proposals are due on Aug. 24, 2026. The Board will have the opportunity to approve one firm on Sept. 14, and the firms will likely be notified on Sept. 21, 2026.
Hamel Elementary School has been the subject of conversation for several months as the Board debated how to spend remaining bond money. In fall 2025, the Board agreed that Hamel Elementary School was a top priority because it needs asbestos abatement.
In April 2026, Duncan met with Hamel staff members and had them rank their top priorities for the school. The top three were asbestos abatement, a gym addition, and improvements to the staff’s lunchroom.
The district’s issuance of a request for qualifications is the first step in this process.
