Anchor Bay approves $44.44 million in construction awards for three schools

The Anchor Bay School District Board of Education approved construction awards for Ashley Elementary, Naldred Elementary and Middle School South, authorizing the program team to proceed with contracts for the next phase of the district bond program.

Brad Colts, construction manager with Barton Mallow, told the board the project was bid in 21 categories, with roughly 6,200 vendors notified, about 800 document views and 90 bids received across the package. Colts said the district’s construction budget in the bond application was about $43.3 million and that the total project budget including a 10% contingency was about $47 million. The awards recommended at the meeting totaled roughly $31.5 million for construction contracts, with additional protected funding of about $9.7 million for future awards; board materials listed a construction award package of $44,440,479.

Colts described the district’s bid strategy — breaking work into categories and separating the three buildings in each category — as a method to increase both small and large contractor participation and to lower costs. He said the approach saved close to a half million dollars versus selecting a single combined low bidder. The scope includes classroom additions at Ashley and Naldred, a media center addition at each elementary, extensive interior renovation at Middle School South, roof work, parking lot resurfacing and mechanical/electrical upgrades. Colts also noted the team is recommending additional scope be added while still protecting contingency funds to cover design development and future awards.

Board members asked about site safety, subcontractor qualification checks and project oversight. Colts said each site will have a dedicated project superintendent and the program will deploy safety representatives who conduct regular visits; the team reviews bids for completeness, bonding and insurance and performs post‑bid interviews when needed.

The motion to approve the construction awards passed by roll call. Administration will return for additional awards and pricing for the protected scope in a March–April timeframe, according to staff.