Board awards Aspire contract for wrestling and multipurpose storm shelter at Francis Howell High

The Francis Howell R-III Board of Education approved a construction contract for a new wrestling and multipurpose ICC 500 storm shelter at Francis Howell High on Jan. 16, 2025. Staff recommended Aspire Construction Services for the work; the recommended base bid for construction was $2,595,000 and the presenters said the total project cost including bonding fees and soft costs is $3,107,953.

Why it matters: the project will add indoor practice and competition space, storage and an ICC 500-compliant storm shelter consistent with current safety standards. Staff presented the project as a high-priority, standalone project that will not impede instruction while construction proceeds.

Procurement and schedule: presentors said six contractors bid the scope, keeping bids competitive and driving down cost. Staff told the board they will hold on-site meetings every two weeks and hire third-party special inspectors for structural welding and shelter-specific components; the city’s permit review and special inspections for ICC 500 compliance will be included in oversight.

Board questions focused on quality control, inspection regimes, and differences between earlier design-development estimates and the lower construction bids. Staff attributed the cost delta to competitive bidding (six bidders) and some simplification of construction documents.

Vote and outcome: the motion to award_contract to Aspire Construction Services passed with board approval recorded as "Aye." Staff will proceed with contracting, permitting and a fall 2025 completion target.