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Independence board approves Fairmount construction manager‑at‑risk and purchase of six propane buses
Summary
The board accepted a CMAR contract for Fairmount Elementary renovations (pre‑construction services, general conditions and a 2.35% project management fee) and approved buying six 77‑passenger propane Bluebird buses for $1,100,640, with an anticipated LEO grant offset of about $332,535.
The Independence Board of Education approved multiple capital actions, including a construction manager‑at‑risk (CMAR) contract for comprehensive renovations at Fairmount Elementary and the purchase of six propane‑powered school buses.
For Fairmount renovations the board accepted pre‑construction services at $20,000, general conditions estimated at $1,580,824 and a 2.35% project management fee for the CMAR contract. Administration explained the CMAR/GMP process: guaranteed maximum price will be set after architect drawings and subcontract bids are complete and will be returned to the board for final approval.
On transportation, the board accepted a quote from Central States Bus Sales to buy six 77‑passenger Bluebird conventional propane buses at $183,440 each, for a total of $1,100,640. Administration said the district expects to apply a LEO Academy grant that would ultimately offset approximately $332,535 (about $55,422.50 per bus) once grant obligations — including disposal of an old diesel bus and compliance steps — are met.
The board also approved letting bids and proceeding with repairs and maintenance items (partial roof replacement at Mil Creek Elementary, masonry tuckpointing at Fairmont and Three Trails) and clarified coordination with a possible April bond package to avoid duplicative spending.
Next steps: architects will complete drawings and the CMAR will prepare a GMP for board approval; transportation will proceed with the purchase and complete grant compliance to secure the LEO funding.
