The Morton Community Unit School District 709 Board of Education voted Sept. 2 to accept the base bid and alternates 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 from Hine Construction for the high school interrelated project, with a total project cost reported at $7,580,000.

District staff said six companies submitted bids and recommended awarding the contract to Hine Construction so the district can begin phase 2 while finishing phase 1 work. The board approved the recommendation on a roll-call vote.

Superintendent and project presenters said the phase 2 work includes a new weight-training facility at the east gym entry, improvements to the main entry and the Bertha Frank performing-arts lobby, relocation of administrative offices to the main entrance for improved security and customer service, and reconfiguration to open classroom space for career and technical education and driver education. Presenters described the scope as extending beyond athletics to provide daily instructional, study-hall and other student space.

Officials said the recommended bid award would allow the district to move into phase 3 planning. The timeline presented by staff includes a targeted substantial-completion window in 2026, with the weight-training facility targeted for August 2026 and the Bertha Frank lobby work targeted for an Oct. 15, 2026 completion; presenters noted weather and other normal construction contingencies could affect schedules.

Board members asked staff to publish a community summary (the district’s Potter Post) describing the project details and benefits; the district said it would do so.

The motion to accept the bid and alternates passed by roll call with board members voting in favor.