West Jefferson board reviews value-engineered plan for PE locker-room and bathroom remodels; contractor bid still pending

The West Jefferson School District board received an update on planned PE changing-room and bathroom renovations, including permit submissions, ongoing value engineering and bid outcomes, and a request for a special work meeting to approve a final project limit.

Andy Miller, the district’s facilities lead, told the board the first round of bids came in roughly $300,000 over estimates and that value-engineering efforts have trimmed nearly $1 million from the preliminary total. Miller said removing the high-school student restroom scope would save roughly $200,000 and could bring the project closer to the district’s budget target; he described a tentative demolition start in May pending final approvals and a contractor-approved project cap.

Miller said the initial HVAC quote of about $288,000 appeared overspecified for locker-room needs and that the district expects to lower HVAC costs after a site visit with HVAC engineers. He also described trade-offs in bid shopping when fewer than three competitive quotes were received for some scopes and explained how permit addenda may be required if the HVAC specification changes.

Board member discussion focused on timing and safety implications: remodeled changing rooms will have floor-to-ceiling stalls and improved ADA-compliant fixtures to reduce vandalism, allow sightlines where appropriate, and improve restroom ventilation and flushing systems. Miller noted the district achieved improved per-line item pricing by re-soliciting quotes and trimming scopes.

Next steps: Administration hopes to hold a special meeting next week to approve a project spending cap so contractors can mobilize. The board also discussed scheduling, construction phasing to keep PE classes operational, and the need to finalize permit addenda when the HVAC scope is revised.