Board approves prime contracts for two new elementary schools after bids come in under estimates

The Kennett Consolidated School District board approved prime construction contracts for two new elementary schools after receiving multiple bids across trades and primes.

Construction leadership reported active bidding with two general‑contract bidders, 11 mechanical bidders, four electrical bidders and seven plumbing bidders. The administration said the low bids were below the estimate provided by the district's engineer and presented full documentation in the board materials; the district also identified selected alternates meant to preserve safety and programmatic upgrades.

Project planning and finance: the administration outlined how the work will be funded from recent bond issues and capital reserves. The district said it issued two earlier bond issues of $9,995,000 each and a larger third issue that it identified in materials as approximately $40,000,000; the district plans to draw from the most recently issued funds first and manage arbitrage and interest earnings as part of its debt strategy. The administration expects to issue final contract awards immediately with an on‑site mobilization target in early September and an occupancy goal around June 2026, although DEP and township approvals and final contract execution remain necessary preconditions.

Board members praised the competitive results and asked that administration report back on capital‑fund impacts and potential long‑term debt service. Trustees voted to approve the prime contracts and authorized staff to finalize the agreements.

Next steps: administration will finalize contracts with each prime, continue permitting and regulatory coordination, and provide a follow‑up briefing on capital funding and projected long‑term debt service.