Stewartville schools approve $1.3 million low bid for high school field improvements

The Stewartville Public School District Board of Education unanimously approved a low bid for Stryphel High School field improvements, awarding the contract to the low bidder for just over $1,300,000.

Board members approved the Elcor (low bid) proposal after administrators said the projects are funded with Long Term Facility Maintenance (LTFM) state aid and therefore limited to replacing existing facilities rather than building new ones. Superintendent Miss Selhurst told the board the work will replace the lights, the track and convert the turf field back to natural grass because artificial turf does not qualify for LTFM funding.

The superintendent said the district submitted the projects to the Minnesota Department of Education for preapproval; if the department later determines funds were used inappropriately the district could be penalized. She reported the low bid was roughly $1,300,000; competing bids from Rochester Sand and Bridal and Urban Companies were approximately $1,500,000 and $1,900,000 respectively.

Board members asked timing and use questions. A board member asked whether the project schedule would affect home events; staff answered the field work may delay use until mid- to late-September but the athletic director, Mr. Hughes, is coordinating scheduling. Finance questions were raised about the LTFM balance; administrators said prior construction savings left roughly $500,000 in the LTFM fund and that the work can be paid over two budget years so a bond will not be required.

After discussion, Mr. Ravenhorst moved to approve the bid award to the low bidder and Ms. Kiefer seconded. The motion carried 7-0.

The district will proceed with summer construction and staff will manage scheduling for fall athletics depending on project completion dates.