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Frank Middle School project moves toward construction; town land transfer under review
Summary
District staff provided a construction progress update for E.B. Frank Middle School, outlining the bid schedule, expected notice to proceed in June 2025 and a pending land transfer with the town of LaGrange.
The board received an update on the E.B. Frank Middle School replacement project on March 3, with staff reporting that bid documents were advertised and a pre-bid meeting and bid-openings scheduled this spring.
Facility staff reported that bid advertisement was completed Feb. 20 and bid documents uploaded Feb. 24. A mandatory pre-bid meeting for prospective vendors is scheduled for March 11; the district will accept questions through April 9 and open bids on April 24. Staff said a May 1 rebid date is set only if necessary. Because the project uses federal, state and local funds, procurement rules require at least three bids for each package where feasible; staff acknowledged some packages in the region historically draw fewer than three bidders and said limited rebids may be required.
Staff said notice-to-proceed letters for awarded vendors are anticipated in June 2025 and that the construction phase is projected at 18 months. Board members asked detailed questions about bid packaging, paving at parent/vehicle lanes, geothermal well locations and the proposed traffic circulation on the new site.
The update included progress on a negotiated land transfer with the Town of LaGrange: the district expects the town to consider approval of a transfer of 38 acres (in exchange for the existing school property) at the town council meeting; when the town approves the transfer, the district will bring the item to the school board for its action. Staff said the town is considering uses for the existing main building and gym and that the district expects to retain athletic fields under a shared-use agreement.
Staff noted that some details — including the number of bid packages and final use of the old building — remain subject to town decisions and market conditions; staff said they will bring a comprehensive presentation from design and construction partners at a future board meeting.
No formal board action was taken at the March 3 update; staff sought the board’s questions and will return with contract awards and further details later in the procurement process.
