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Board approves summer renovation bids despite higher bids and late schedule; some alternates rejected
Summary
Trustees awarded base and select alternate bids totaling $286,002.50 to Kirkley Construction for additional renovations at Founders, Jefferson and DeKalb High School, rejected two alternates, and discussed why late bidding and design changes increased costs above initial budgets.
The board approved awarding the base bid and two alternates for additional renovations at Founders, Jefferson and DeKalb High School to Kirkley Construction of DeKalb for a total of $286,002.50 and rejected two other alternate bids.
Director of Facilities (presenting) explained bids were higher than budgeted because the project was bid late in the schedule, contractors were less likely to reduce prices as their summer schedules filled, and last‑minute design changes increased scope. The presenter said the Jefferson work includes enlarging an existing small bathroom in a former kindergarten classroom to meet ADA requirements and creating an adjacent sensory room; Founders required modular classroom and concrete work to support relocated special programs. The presenter said some higher costs reflect replacement cubbies with concrete bases and additional concrete work identified during final design.
Board members asked how the district will absorb a $2.2 million increase that showed up in the capital outlay for education line (the presenter said the capital concerns would largely be accounted for in next fiscal year spending because much of the work and some invoicing occur after July 1). The presenter said some project costs are front‑loaded (architect/engineer fees, equipment orders) and that projects cross fiscal years.
Board vote: The motion to award the base bid and alternates 1 and 3 and reject alternates 2 and 4 passed by roll call. Recorded votes showed the motion passed with one no vote (Trustee Ante Bynum) and the remaining trustees voting yes.
Why it matters: The awarded work supports moving special programs and creating ADA‑compliant restrooms and sensory space, but the bids arrived later and higher than anticipated, requiring the board to accept additional costs and plan for how the overage will be managed across fiscal years.
