Ogden School Board approves R and O Construction's $1.6M baseball facility project

The Ogden City School District Board of Education convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss significant developments in local school construction projects, particularly the awarding of a contract for upcoming renovations. The board approved a budget of $1,589,947 for construction work to be carried out by R and O Construction, which was selected from four bidders.

The decision to move forward with R and O Construction comes after a careful evaluation process that included both technical and cost proposals. The winning bid of $1,423,047 was chosen not only for its competitive pricing but also for the contractor's strong track record with previous projects in the district, including work at Hillcrest and Eastridge schools. Board members emphasized the importance of quality and reliability in contractor selection, noting that the lowest bid does not always guarantee the best outcome.

The construction is set to begin on August 1, 2025, following a request from the district's baseball coach to delay the start until after summer tournaments. This timing aims to minimize disruption for local events while ensuring that the project proceeds efficiently.

In addition to the hard costs associated with construction, the budget also accounts for soft costs, which include expenses for architectural services, surveys, and potential contingencies for unforeseen issues. The board highlighted the necessity of these additional funds to cover any unexpected repairs or design adjustments that may arise during the project.

The meeting also touched on the scoring system used to evaluate bids, which weighs technical qualifications more heavily than cost. This approach aims to ensure that the district engages contractors who not only offer competitive pricing but also demonstrate the capability to deliver quality work.

As the Ogden City School District moves forward with these renovations, the board remains focused on enhancing educational facilities while being mindful of community needs and event schedules. The successful execution of this project is expected to contribute positively to the local educational environment and support ongoing community activities.