Edwardsburg board approves school renovations, asbestos abatement and emergency roof repairs after tornado damage

The Edwardsburg Public Schools Board of Education voted to approve bids for middle- and high-school renovations, a districtwide asbestos abatement contract and emergency roof replacements needed after this week’s tornado, the board said at a meeting where the agenda was amended to add the roofing item.

Board members said the renovation bids for the middle and high schools came in under budget, and the board approved moving forward under the district bond program. The board also approved a low bid from Total Environmental of Toledo to remove remaining asbestos in multiple district buildings, with Eagle Lake identified as the largest single site. Finally, the board approved two bids to repair roofs damaged in the storm, including work on the maintenance building and the district performing arts center; district staff said some repair costs will be submitted to the district’s insurance carrier for reimbursement.

Why it matters: the actions authorize bond-funded renovation work and immediate repairs tied to storm damage, and the asbestos abatement reduces long‑term hazards in buildings the district may later sell or repurpose. Board members emphasized both the pace of the work and coordination with the district’s insurance adjuster as the district moves into repairs this summer.

During the meeting the board amended the agenda to add the roofing item "for the approval of district roofing place, replacements due to the fun tornado damage that we had this week," language used in the meeting record. A district official reported that bids for the middle- and high-school front-office and vestibule work were opened April 1 and were below the budget estimates. "Skillman did a great job," a district staff member said during the discussion about the bidding process.

Ed Ganata, who identified himself to the board as the district roof expert, described the district's immediate response after the tornado and the inspection of the most critical buildings. "We were on the most critical and the most susceptible buildings right after, the day after the tornado," Ganata said, summarizing the district's initial field assessments.

On asbestos abatement, district staff recommended awarding the contract to the low bidder, Total Environmental, to remove flooring and other asbestos-containing materials across Eagle Lake and remaining spaces in the high school, middle school and primary school. Staff noted some asbestos will remain in limited locations — referenced in the meeting as around pipes and tunnels — while the bulk of asbestos flooring will be removed.

Board members also discussed details of the storm-related insurance process. A district staff member said the insurance adjuster had been cooperative and that many damaged items (track equipment and similar) will be covered at replacement cost. The staff member told the board the insurer applies a $5,000 cap on tree removal per event and $500 per replacement tree; the adjuster had indicated he would reimburse the district after receiving contractor quotes.

The board unanimously approved each of the three items by roll call votes. For the renovations bid the roll call recorded affirmative votes from board members identified in the meeting record as Justin; Taylor; Nick; Chelsea; Mammon; and the presiding member (recorded as "myself"). The asbestos abatement bid likewise passed on roll call with recorded affirmative votes that included Nick; Chelsea; Natalie; Tammy; and the presiding member. The vote on the emergency roof replacements recorded affirmative votes from Natalie; Kelsey; Nick; Tammy; Justin; and the presiding member. The meeting record lists these roll-call names as captured during the votes.

District staff told the board that the maintenance building received substantial damage and that the approved roofing work includes both shingled and non-shingled roof sections; two different contractors were approved for different portions of that work (the meeting referenced bidders named Millwood and Midland). Staff said the roofing work is being completed to address urgent needs and will be submitted to insurance for reimbursement where appropriate.

Board members and staff thanked district employees, administrators and community members who assisted in early response and recovery and noted that some staff members were personally affected by the storm. The board did not set a public completion date in the meeting; staff said work would move forward this summer as scheduling and insurance reimbursements permit.

Votes at a glance: - Middle school and high school renovation bid — motion to approve bid as recommended — roll call recorded: Justin (yes); Taylor (yes); Nick (yes); Chelsea (yes); Mammon (yes); presiding member (yes). Outcome: approved. - Asbestos abatement contract (low bidder: Total Environmental, Toledo) — motion to approve bid as recommended — roll call recorded: Nick (yes); Chelsea (yes); Natalie (yes); Tammy (yes); presiding member (yes). Outcome: approved. - District roof replacements (maintenance building shingled and non-shingled work; PAC roof) — motion to approve roofing replacements — roll call recorded: Natalie (yes); Kelsey (yes); Nick (yes); Tammy (yes); Justin (yes); presiding member (yes). Outcome: approved.

The board adjourned after brief policy‑committee updates were distributed to members and no public comments were offered at the meeting.