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Solanco School District accepts $295,000 in change-order credits, authorizes bids for multiple facilities projects
Summary
At its March 3 meeting the Solanco School District Board approved $295,000 in change-order credits to two construction contracts, voted to put several safety and renovation projects out for bid and approved a dual-enrollment memorandum with Cairn University; personnel actions were also accepted.
The Solanco School District Board of School Directors on March 3 approved two change-order credits that reduce construction contract costs and voted to put several facility projects and equipment purchases out for bid.
The board approved credits of $275,000 on a mechanical contract and $20,000 on an electrical contract, reducing the adjusted mechanical contract to $3,166,500 and the adjusted electrical contract to $1,426,000, according to materials presented at the meeting. Board members then authorized bids for a dust-collection system at Smith (middle/technical) school, a new well at Bart Colrain Elementary School, electrical upgrades to the Swift Middle School technology classroom, laboratory improvements and remodeling at Solanco High School, and paving/driveway patching at Swift and Smith schools.
The board also voted to approve a memorandum of understanding for dual enrollment with Cairn University, which the district said would let students earn university credit that may transfer to Cairn and potentially other institutions. The personnel report, which the board accepted, listed two resignations and three new support-staff employments; no retirements or extra-curricular assignments were reported.
Why it matters: The change-order credits lower the district’s near-term construction costs while the authorized bids cover projects the district described as safety- or code-driven (a backup well) or intended to improve instructional spaces (technology classroom and high-school laboratories). The dual-enrollment MOU expands options for students to earn college credit while in high school.
Most important facts
- Change orders: Board materials showed a $275,000 credit for a mechanical alternate the district decided not to pursue and a $20,000 credit for an electrical alternate, producing adjusted contract amounts of $3,166,500 (mechanical) and $1,426,000 (electrical).
- Bids authorized: dust collector replacement for Smith school, additional well drilling at Bart Colrain Elementary School, electrical upgrade for Swift Middle School technology classroom, lab improvements/remodeling at Solanco High School, and paving/patching of Swift and Smith access drives.
- Safety and contingency: Board discussion noted the district has no backup well at Bart Colrain and that lack of a functioning well could create a school-closure issue, prompting the decision to seek bids for drilling a new well.
- Dual enrollment: The board approved a dual-enrollment agreement with Cairn University to expand course offerings and provide possible university credit for participating students.
- Personnel: The personnel report listed two resignations and three support-staff hires; no retirements or extracurricular appointments were included.
How the board voted
The motions described above were approved by voice vote with no members recorded as opposing. Meeting remarks and motions did not identify individual roll-call vote counts for each motion.
Context and next steps
District staff said the high-school lab work is targeted to start after school ends and be finished before the next school year; some components may be phased to reduce disruption. The authorized bid solicitations will proceed on a schedule the administration develops; no contract awards were made at the March 3 meeting.
Ending
Board members scheduled routine business for the March 17 meeting and reminded the public of upcoming calendar dates. The board adjourned following routine announcements.
