Board authorizes bidding for Highland Rim renovation project, estimates $6.5 million available

The Lincoln County Board of Education authorized staff June 2 to put Highland Rim renovation drawings to bid with three alternates and received an update on funding and timing for the project.

Facilities staff presented drawings showing the older portion of the Highland Rim building outlined for renovation and proposed three add alternates: renovation of the older building’s bathrooms, renovation of the gym-area bathrooms, and construction of a new office entry (work that can be deferred if bids exceed the budget). The architect will return at the next meeting to answer detailed questions.

District staff told the board the project should be bid with alternates so the board can choose scope after seeing actual bids. Facilities staff estimated the district has about $6.5 million available for the project, comprised of roughly $2.2 million in leftover bond proceeds from a $32.8 million bond issue and about $4.3 million remaining in the education capital projects fund (Fund 177). Staff noted certain maintenance lines (for small emergency repairs) remain separate from this capital funding.

Officials said the earliest construction could begin would be around early September, after bids are received, the board selects alternates, and the state fire marshal approves drawings. The renovations would include new floors, windows, HVAC, doors, ceilings, paint and classroom instructional technology in the older building area; the design also includes a new cafeteria and kitchen conversion in other project components that will affect recurring food-service staffing costs discussed separately.

The board approved the drawings-to-bid motion and directed staff to present bids and alternates when available.