Security vestibule and locker-shower projects come in over estimate; board recommends pausing and reprioritizing PLE safety work

The district received eight bids for two small capital projects combined into one package: hardening a secure vestibule at Penn London Elementary (PLE) and converting open locker-room showers at the middle school into private compartments. Facilities staff told trustees the low-bid package totaled just over $414,000, substantially higher than earlier estimates.

Administrators and the architect of record said the combination of small scope and tight timelines (the bid included liquidated damages of $1,000 per day for schedule overruns) likely pushed prices up. KCBA (the architect) estimated limited value-engineering savings — perhaps up to about $30,000 — and recommended either pursuing targeted scope changes or pausing the package and rebidding.

Facilities staff recommended pausing to: (1) separate the PLE vestibule and middle-school shower projects, (2) narrow the PLE scope to priority security measures (for example, replace existing glass with a more protective glazing and reconfigure visitor access to replicate the ‘speak-through’ window used at other buildings), and (3) collect additional usage data for the showers (staff said they appear lightly used and sometimes used for storage).

Trustees supported a cautious approach: several members said the PLE vestibule security upgrades are a priority but asked staff to obtain revised, narrower bids focused on safety and to consult with school administration regarding shower usage before committing funds.

Next steps: Administration will ask bidders for PLE-only pricing and will pursue scope refinement and possible rebid, then report back to the board for direction.