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Junior-high summer bids come in below estimates; district seeks ISBE maintenance grant
Summary
Staff reported apparent low bids for the WJHS summer 2025 work totaled about $2,064,000 with a $150,000 contingency and noted an already-ordered chiller (ship date Nov. 6); the board authorized submission of a FY25 school maintenance grant application to ISBE.
District staff told the Committee of the Whole that bids for the WJHS summer 2025 project came in lower than earlier estimates and that several bid packages produced competitive turnouts.
"After scoping the apparent low bidders, we're at $2,064,000 for the cost of construction," said Joe Papaniklis, who presented the bid summary. He added the bid package includes a $150,000 contingency for unforeseen conditions or owner-added scope and noted the chiller has been pre-purchased and assigned to the prime mechanical contractor; the ship date for that unit is Nov. 6.
Board members asked how the district evaluates apparent low bidders beyond price. Staff said two bidders were deemed non-responsible because they missed required scope or allowance values and that the procurement process allows them to withdraw without penalty and move to the next compliant bidder.
Staff also explained timing: earlier design-authority requests let the district get projects out to bid at a favorable point in the market. Separately, staff told the board the ISBE maintenance-grant application must be submitted before the board meets Monday to approve bids; because the grant process requires an earlier application, staff asked for approval to submit today.
The board voted to approve the FY2025 school maintenance project grant application on the spot. The motion was moved and seconded and carried on roll call.
