The Ball Chatham CUSD 5 Board of Education voted to approve a $1,636,409 project to rebuild and resurface several parking and bus-lane areas at Glenwood Middle School.

Board members were presented a plan that combined a base contract, selected alternates and value-engineered reductions to reduce cost. The project scope includes converting the bus turnaround and several high‑wear asphalt areas to concrete, selective concrete in high‑traffic zones, and lighter‑weight concrete in other parking sections. The district also plans to remove and replace an asphalt area used for maintenance vehicles with concrete only where necessary; that portion was value-engineered out to reduce cost.

The recommended schedule calls for work to begin May 29 or in June and reach substantial completion Aug. 1. Board members asked how the district would manage the short timeline, and district staff said they plan to sequence the pours so sections that must cure for bus traffic are done earliest and to monitor contractor progress closely. Staff emphasized cure time as the main constraint before buses can use newly poured concrete.

The board discussed bidder turnout and local capacity. District staff said three firms attended the pre‑bid meeting and that only a small number of local contractors can handle a project of this scale. The administration recommended awarding to the low qualified bidder after accounting for contingencies and architectural fees; the staff presentation noted a 5% contingency and other project costs included in the total.

The motion to approve the $1,636,409 project passed on a roll‑call vote.

Why it matters: the project affects routine arrival and dismissal operations at Glenwood Middle School, including the bus loop, and the district said choosing concrete in heavy‑use areas should extend pavement life and reduce maintenance needs.

Next steps: staff will finalize contracts and scheduling with the selected contractor and proceed with the phased work and curing plan described to the board.