Board approves bids for parent drop-off loop; phase one scheduled for summer, connection to US 12 dependent on MDOT approval

The Edwardsburg Public Schools Board of Education approved awarding bids for the first phase of a new parent drop-off loop and accepted a lump-sum of reimbursables tied to bond contracts.

Courtney and project manager Max (last names not provided in the record) reported the May 8 bid opening for the parent drop-off loop and named the lowest bidders and recommended contractors for portions of the work: Indiana Earth (site work), Michigan Paving (concrete/paving), C & E Excavating (excavation/site work) and Herman & Katz (electrical), according to board discussion. "We're ready to go. All the contractors are ready to go," Max said.

Board members approved a motion to award the bids as recommended. The board then approved a consolidated set of reimbursables compiled from the bids; district staff said those are budget numbers and unused reimbursables will return to the district.

District staff described the project phasing: phase one (the site and parking additions that create a safer pickup area near the primary and intermediate buildings) is scheduled for work through the summer so it will be ready for fall. A second phase that would connect the new loop to U.S. 12 requires approval from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and is planned for the fall if permitting and MDOT approval are obtained.

Board members asked for clarifying materials for future meetings, such as drawings with street names. The board approved the bid awards and reimbursables by voice vote.

What happens next: the district will proceed with summer work for phase one and pursue MDOT approval and scheduling for the fall phase-out connection to U.S. 12.