Published: April 23, 2008 10:10 am            

School Board awards renovation contracts

$12 million allocated for work

STEARNS — McCreary County Board of Education met in special session Thursday to award contracts regarding the high school renovation project.

The contract for construction went to Lexington-based DW Wilburn. Though the sole bidder, the company’s total project bid of $10,239,000 was well below Ross Tarrant Architects’ January estimate of $11,845,085.

The fortunate bid ensures not only a new addition and entrance, which comprises the base bid ($9.33 million), but also each of four alternates:

• Bleachers — $123,000

• Security Upgrades/Windows — $200,000

• Restroom Renovation: $372,000

• Interactive Classrooms — $214,000.

Joe Nance of the Kentucky School District Finance Division reported to the board that the total funds available for the project has been set at $12,030,085 — of which the state has committed a total of $7.225 million. A local bond sale should generate $3.87 million while the board already has $935,085 in reserve.

“I’m very comfortable in doing this project,” Nance said. “You won’t run out of money.”

District 1 representative Elmer Smith expressed his satisfaction with the project’s budget, noting that the renovation (rather than new construction) will save the district millions, including the acquisition of new land.

Nance agreed, stating that a new school could cost anywhere between $30 million and $60 million.

In other news, school board members awarded an asbestos abatement contract to low-bidder Interstate Environmental Services for $44,210. A special inspections contract will be re-bid.

The next school board meeting is schedule for this Thursday at 5:15 p.m.

        

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