Board approves Foster Elementary contracts and extends Bright Lift while RFPs are evaluated

The Evanston CCSD 65 board voted to award three contract packages for Foster Elementary and approved a temporary extension of the district’s taxi/transportation contractor while a new RFP is evaluated.

Kirby and construction representatives reported on bid group 5, noting some packages came in over estimate after a second solicitation; staff said most project bids are now under contract and the Foster schedule remains on track for a July opening. The board moved to approve awards for bid package 20 (fencing), bid package 21 (site demolition, excavation and aggregates), and bid package 22 (foundations, asphalt, sidewalks, curbs and gutters) for a combined total of $2,092,088, citing the memo from Corcoran Clark dated Dec. 4. The motion passed 6–0.

On transportation, staff said seven vendors responded to the taxi service RFP and that evaluation will consider base rates, charges for harnesses/car seats, extra stops and aids; the procurement team will bring a recommendation to the board. Meanwhile the board approved a Bright Lift contract extension through January 2026 to ensure continuity of service while the RFP review proceeds; that motion also passed 6–0.

Board members discussed safety measures related to Foster—city coordination on crosswalks, potential curb extensions, crossing guards, LED push‑button crossing lights and a city study on lowering speed limits on Emerson Street. Staff said the city would incorporate required crosswalk and design work if the district and city sign a memorandum of understanding by January and that some city costs could be offset by negotiated credits, yielding a near‑net zero impact to the school budget.