Mesquite ISD board approves multiple construction CMARs and ratifies contractor award to Lee Lewis

The Mesquite ISD Board of Trustees voted to approve construction method approvals for seven campus projects and ratified a general contractor award at its March meeting.

Trustees approved taking action on construction items 1 through 7, which covered the construction method (CMAR) for projects at Galloway Elementary, Hodges Elementary, a new pre-K center, Barung Elementary, Rugo Elementary, Smith Elementary and Thompson Elementary. The board then considered the ratification of an award for package 2 of a multiple renovation packet covering AC, McDonough Middle School and Horn High School field house work.

Administration reported that good-faith negotiations with Crossland Construction Company had not produced a satisfactory contract. The district recommended ending negotiations with Crossland and proceeding to negotiate with the next-ranked proposer. The administration named Lee Lewis Construction as the next-ranked offeror; the board ratified the award and delegated authority to the superintendent or designee to negotiate and execute a contract in the district's best interest.

Board members asked for clarification during the discussion and approved the motions by voice vote. The change in contractor recommendation followed the district's procurement process and a written notice ending negotiations with the originally selected firm, administration said. The board did not provide detailed dollar amounts for the contract award in the public remarks recorded in the transcript.

The approvals allow the district to proceed with the scheduled campus construction and renovation work, subject to final contract negotiations and execution by district staff.