Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Construction Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board advances Norris Elementary contract authority, rejects BMAD bids and plans portables; Gossamer Grove estimates climb
Summary
District staff reported construction progress and upcoming contracts across multiple Norris School District projects, announced rejection of over-budget BMAD bids, and outlined a portable-based interim solution.
District staff gave the board a broad construction update covering completed punch-list work, ongoing landscaping, and next steps for several capital projects.
Dan, a district staff member who presented the construction update, said Veterans and Olive Drive projects are nearing completion with remaining punch-list items and landscaping work. He reported that bids for the Norris Elementary classroom wing — six classrooms plus special-education offices and a TK classroom — came in with a total construction cost of $7,171,942 (under $800 per square foot). The board had previously authorized site staff to sign the low bids; Dan said contracts should be signed by Sept. 17 and construction will begin within weeks.
Bids for the BMAD (transitional kindergarten) classroom and bathroom came in far above budget — more than $1,800 per square foot and an estimated project cost above $3 million — and staff recommended rejecting the bids. At the separate agenda item, the board voted to reject all BMAD bids and pursue a lower-cost strategy using portables for the school, which staff said will free up existing classroom space and cost a fraction of the bid-based project.
Dan also reported that the Gossamer Grove project budget has risen in light of recent bids and is now likely to approach approximately $75,000,000. Staff and the district’s construction manager are working with the architect to reduce costs where feasible; the district is negotiating to purchase land for the site and aims to begin DSA submission in December to avoid new rule changes scheduled for January.
Board members discussed long-term operations and maintenance costs as part of design decisions. One trustee urged caution about cutting items that would increase future operating costs; Dan said the design team and maintenance staff are reviewing plans to protect long-term maintainability.
The board approved a formal request to reject all BMAD bids (voice vote; motion carried). Staff will return with details on portable procurement and placement, Norris Elementary contract signatures, and the Gossamer Grove land-purchase timetable.
