Board awards $1.2 million contract to demolish and abate Old Slade Elementary

Albany County School District #1 on May 14 approved a $1.2 million contract with All Pro Environmental Services to perform abatement, demolition and waste disposal at Old Slade Elementary School.

Facilities presenter Mister Wilkinson told trustees five bids were received and four bidders were found qualified; one bid was excluded for failing to submit required parts. He said the apparent low bidder failed to meet contract requirements, and district staff, working with the district’s abatement consultant, determined All Pro Environmental Services was the most qualified bidder. "The apparent low bidder did not meet the requirements of the contract documents," Wilkinson said.

Cost and schedule: Wilkinson said the final contract amount came in about $295 over the district's projected budget (an amount he characterized as small relative to overall expectations). The district will pay the contractor and then seek reimbursement from the state school facilities program; Miss Green said reimbursement typically arrives within a few weeks. Wilkinson estimated the contractor could begin permitting and preparatory work within weeks and hoped actual demolition activity would begin in about six weeks, subject to state approvals and permitting.

Trustees asked about interim site safety and what the district might offer to young people who have used the abandoned Slade site. Wilkinson said the district plans supervised summer work and cleanup activities to reduce trespass and hazards.

Board action: Trustees moved and approved the bid award to All Pro Environmental Services for $1,200,000. The vote was recorded and passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: The Old Slade site has been vacant and subject to trespass and deterioration. Demolition and abatement clear a long‑standing site safety and liability issue and are a step toward future property disposition or reuse.