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U-46 administration presents $67.4 million in recommended bids for new Elgin Middle School; total project cost closer to $100 million
Summary
District staff recommended awarding multiple trade-package bids for the new Elgin Middle School that together total $67,427,140; administrators said adding prior bids, soft costs and furniture brings the project close to $100 million and that oversight will constrain contingency use amid tariff uncertainty.
School District U-46 administrators presented the Board of Education April 28 with recommended awards for multiple trade-package bids for the new Elgin Middle School project. Administration read the list of recommended lowest responsive bidders and line-item amounts that, in total, equal $67,427,140.
The administration asked the board to authorize district staff to execute related documents if the board moves forward with the awards. The recommended bidder list included concrete, masonry, roofing, mechanical, electrical and multiple specialty packages; the presentation listed each bidder and the dollar amount recommended for award to that subcontractor.
Board members asked about contingency planning and the possible impact of tariffs on material costs. Administration said the district provides direct oversight of contingency spending and reviews allowances for bid packages; anything over 50% of an allowance requires district approval. Administrators also noted that the total project cost, when adding previously authorized bids, soft costs such as architecture and construction management fees, and furniture and equipment, is closer to $100,000,000.
One board member asked whether portions of electrical and technology work would be reimbursed through the federal E-rate program; administrators said approximately 80% of the cost for the low-voltage/technology package is expected to be reimbursed through E-rate. Administration also confirmed that the award amounts discussed would be charged to the capital projects fund and that costs are included in the multi-year capital budget for fiscal years 2024–25 through 2026–27.
At the April 28 meeting administration recommended awards but the transcript does not show a formal board roll-call vote recorded for the individual bid-package approvals within the portion of the meeting captured here. The administration also presented other related recommended awards and project-phase approvals at the same session.
Why it matters: The new Elgin Middle School is a major capital investment for the district; trade-package awards, contingency management and E-rate reimbursement affect the district’s ability to deliver the project on schedule and on budget.
What comes next: Administration requested authorization to execute documents related to the recommended awards; board oversight of contingencies and budgeting will continue as construction proceeds.
