Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Referendum Construction topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Whitnall board hears referendum construction update; bidding to start before year end
Summary
District officials and project managers reported design phase nearly complete, construction documents due December 2025, bidding to begin before the holidays and phased work set to start March 2026; board asked about contingencies, contractor pools and approval timing.
Whitnall School District officials and referendum project managers told the school board they are moving from design into the construction-document phase and expect to begin issuing bid packages before the end of the year.
The presenter said construction documents are being finalized and that the district will send bidding notices on the BuildingConnected platform in December, with high-school bids due in late January and other packages staggered through February. “We’re trying to get this out before the holidays, so it’s on people’s radar,” the presenter said.
Why it matters: The district’s $79.1 million referendum will fund multiple projects across buildings, and the schedule shapes when equipment must be ordered and crews mobilized. Board members pressed staff about the district’s remaining design-development budget and contingency planning.
Project managers described the phasing plan in detail: a pool addition mobilization targeted for March 2026 using spring break for preparatory demolition; gym, locker-room and kitchen renovations staged across summers in 2026–27 so school operations can continue; Edgerton Elementary’s utility relocations scheduled for summer 2026 with interior work in summer 2027; and Hales Corners Elementary HVAC/chiller work deferred to summer 2027 because of long lead times for the chiller.
Dan, identified in the presentation as the senior project manager, summarized the high-school sequence and timing: “We’re looking to mobilize and start the pool addition in March ’26,” he said, and described a plan that preserves at least one gym and continued pool use while work is staged.
The board asked about budget reserves and contractor selection. Staff and the presenter said the design-development phase showed about $40,000 remaining in the DD budget and that risk reserves for design contingency and escalation remain available. The presenter said a prequalified bidders list will be finalized with district staff, and the team will seek to include local subcontractors on bid lists.
What’s next: Staff expects to bring bid packages and contract approvals to the board beginning in February so members can review recommended awards. The presenters said they will prioritize early-order items (for example, kitchen equipment) so those long-lead items arrive in time for summer work.
Sources: Presentation to the Whitnall School District Board; project manager Dan; referendum project presenter.
