Board reviews bond‑funded capital projects including geothermal, pool demolition and school finishes

Ann Arbor Public Schools’ capital‑programs team presented first briefings on several bond‑funded construction and procurement items.

Stephanie Corona and procurement staff outlined how public bids are solicited and reviewed, bond‑committee review steps and procurement timeline. Items covered included ordering Huron High School pool scoreboards timed to upcoming LED and sound upgrades, flooring and painting packages at Scarlett and Community High Schools (marmoleum recommended for durability and lower maintenance), demolition of the unused Slauson Middle School pool building (site prep and disconnects planned for late spring into summer), and remaining trade packages for the new Mitchell Elementary (geo‑well drilling, HVAC, plumbing, metal studs and exterior panels).

Staff said most trade packages try to attract at least three bidders but acknowledged some specialty trades (geothermal bore‑hole drilling, terrazzo repair, elevators) often have only one or two vendors regionally. Geothermal work requires frost‑free ground and can take multiple months for larger sites; staff described roughly 2.5–3 months in prior middle‑school projects and said weather constrains drilling schedules. All the items discussed were described as bond‑dollar funded; staff emphasized bond policy and procurement checks including payment and performance bonds for trade contractors above $50,000.

Trustees asked about minimum bidders, timelines, and whether any items impact the general fund; staff repeatedly confirmed bond dollars will fund the items discussed and described steps to vet bidder capability and pricing.

What’s next: bond‑committee follow‑ups and second briefings will precede final board approval of trade contracts and notice of award to successful bidders.