Clintondale board approves $266,000 middle‑school repairs and $176,900 gym floor after debate over long‑term use

Clintondale — The Clintondale Board of Education voted to award two construction contracts for middle‑school repairs funded by state flood‑relief money, approving a $266,000 contract to Spartan Construction and a $176,900 contract to Specialty Flooring after trustees debated the scope and timing of the work.

The board approved the $266,000 award to Spartan Construction on a 5–1 roll‑call vote after Treasurer James Powers moved to table the contract and asked for a broader feasibility study of the district’s physical plant. “If we approve this thing and it’s in perfect shape but we can’t populate the building, what then?” Powers said, urging the board to pause and consider long‑range options, including selling or demolishing unused space. The motion to table failed, and the award passed with Powers the lone dissenting vote.

Superintendent Ken Janswick said the spending is tied to “additional funds that we received from the state of Michigan after the July 28th flood” and that the money is intended to repair flood damage in the building’s main floor, media center and office areas. Janswick told the board that the grants were intended for repairs and that declining the funds would require returning them.

Brian Wakeley of Wakeley and Associates, the district’s consultant on the project, said construction is scheduled to start in April and be completed before June. Wakeley also answered questions about labor: the project was publicly bid, he said, and while the contractor is not a union contractor in all trades, bids comply with the state’s prevailing‑wage requirements.

Trustees also approved the $176,900 award to Specialty Flooring for the middle‑school gym floor on a 5–1 vote. Board members said replacing the gym floor should ease scheduling conflicts with the high‑school gym and improve athletics operations; Powers again cast the sole no vote.

The board discussed whether the grant monies had expiration or spending deadlines; the superintendent said he believed some of the state funds required expenditure within the current fiscal year but did not have the precise deadline at the meeting. Members asked staff to provide follow‑up details on the grant terms and any longer‑range facility plans.

The contractors are expected to begin work in spring, with Wakeley indicating an April start and completion before June. The board recorded votes and moved to the next agenda items.