Board approves $178,682.55 bid to add six single-stall restrooms at elementary

The Vermillion School District board approved a $178,682.55 contract with Walker Construction on May 12 to add six universal single-stall restrooms and one accessible stall to the elementary school, with work to start this summer and a goal to have the fixtures ready by Aug. 15.

District presenters said the new restroom cluster will sit on a corridor between the elementary and middle schools to give closer access to the cafeteria and gymnasium. A presenter described the design as "6 universal, stalls there. And then we have a handicap accessible," and said the fixtures and materials will match existing building finishes.

The board was told the district delayed adding these restrooms during initial construction to avoid change-order premiums and instead solicited separate local bids after occupancy. The presenter said some toilet stalls are being fabricated out of state and that, while that could delay finishing individual stall partitions, toilets and sinks would be installed so the restrooms could be used even if some stall components arrive later.

Board members asked whether summer programs that rent gym space would be affected; staff said no events were scheduled that would be disrupted and that the construction area could be curtained off if needed. The presenter also told the board the work is in the same zone as a separate middle-school kitchen remodel and would not force a delay to the start of school.

A motion to approve the winning bid was moved and seconded as part of a consent motion that adopted several items; the motion was carried by voice vote.

Construction schedule and contingency plans were described by staff as part of the approval; the board directed building committee staff to monitor progress over the summer.