Orono board awards high-school science and career-center remodel bid; donors give $350,000

The Orono Public School District Board of Education on April 14 approved awarding the base contract for a high school science-classroom remodel and a new college and career center to JPMI Construction and accepted community donations totaling $350,000 to support the work.

Board materials and staff said the district received two bids for the project. The lowest responsive base bid reported was $596,000; with both alternates included the total bid tabulated to about $634,000. The district recommended approval of the base bid only and noted that some alternates or finish items could be deferred or added later to preserve value while delivering the primary renovation work for the start of the school year.

The district also reported two capital donations totaling $350,000, with $250,000 earmarked specifically for the college and career center. District staff thanked community donors at the meeting for supporting the project.

Why it matters: district officials said the college and career center will be a high-traffic, student-facing space intended to support counselors, postsecondary planning, internships and employer connections. The board’s approval allows the administration to execute the construction contract and proceed with procurement and scheduling.

The motion to approve the base bid from JPMI Construction passed on a voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Board members and administrators stressed the project was chosen after consultation with staff who will use the space and with district architects (Wold Architects) and financial advisers. Administrators also said they will use long-term facility maintenance funds and capital facilities authority where allowed by state law to support the work, alongside the donor funds.