North Stonington — The Board of Selectmen voted Tuesday night to begin contract negotiations with Downes Construction Co. of New Britain as the construction manager for the $38.5 million renovation of the town's schools, following approval by the School Modernization Committee.

The committee issued a request for proposals in August. The committee members narrowed the eight bidders down before selecting Downes, which they said ranked highest by their criteria, and also offered a much lower price than the next best proposal.

Construction managers typically are used for projects of this size, said School Modernization Committee Chairman Mike Urgo, and this is the model preferred by the state.

As part of the proposal, representatives from the company must be present at meetings, and the School Modernization Committee will be involved as the company bids out various parts of the project.

The construction manager model also must be approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which will loan the town money for the project through its Rural Development program.

"Getting their approval will not be an issue; the committee has done their homework," First Selectman Shawn Murphy said.