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District outlines $7.5 million middle-school renovation plan; staff seek construction manager shortlist
Summary
Superintendent presented a detailed scope and budget for a proposed $7.5 million renovation of the district middle school covering mechanical systems, accessibility, locker rooms, and finishes. The board discussed soliciting a Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) via an RFQ.
At the Oct. 6 meeting, Lewis Central Community School District leadership presented a proposed middle-school renovation plan with a budget target tied to the district’s bond package: approximately $7.5 million, with contingency included.
Superintendent (title used in meeting) described work grouped into envelope repairs (tuck-pointing, foundation/grading, EIFS), mechanical replacements (heat pumps, DOAS/fresh-air systems, ceiling diffusers, sanitary upgrades), and interior finish updates (carpet, ceiling tiles, painting). The presentation identified an envelope-repair subtotal of about $750,000 and noted that mechanical work — notably replacement of obsolete heat pumps and reactivation/modification of the DOAS fresh-air system — is among the largest cost drivers.
Accessibility and circulation changes are part of the scope. The plan includes replacing or adding lifts/elevators (one proposed location adjacent to the library to avoid an addition), and widening a narrow stairwell that staff flagged as the top priority. The stairwell widening was estimated at roughly $250,000 because it requires structural work to expand the opening.
Athletic- and student-focused upgrades listed in the scope include renovating locker rooms (the plan consolidates and enlarges locker space on one side rather than renovate both sides), replacing broken auditorium seats (estimated roughly $28,000 for selective replacements), replacing hallway lockers (full replacement of sixth–eighth grade lockers due to parts obsolescence), plastic bleacher seating replacement (instead of full structural replacement), and a lighting upgrade whose equipment will be procured cooperatively with installation labor included in the CMR contract (labour estimated at about $150,000).
Superintendent said staff met with an ad hoc facility committee, middle-school staff and a board work session to refine scope, and that an RFQ for a construction manager at risk (CMR) is being prepared and will be sent to a short list of local firms. The architect will present a final scope to the board at the Oct. 20 meeting; the facilities committee will meet with candidates and make a referral to the full board.
District staff also noted related future projects across the district, including roof and HVAC work at the high school, parking-lot and pavement replacement around the middle school, envelope work at Titan Hill, and repair of a glycol leak at Kreft Primary. Superintendent said the district is still assembling detailed cost estimates and that schedule and scope may change with available funds.
Board members asked procedural questions about the CMR selection process and agreed staff should proceed with the RFQ and candidate outreach.
