Lake County Schools approves McKinstry contract and selects tile option for restroom renovation

The Lake County Schools board voted May 11 to approve a performance contract with McKinstry and to proceed with the tile-floor option for a school restroom renovation, the district was told.

McKinstry representatives said the tile option, which includes upgraded partitions and full tile walls and floors, carries a guaranteed maximum price in the materials presented to the board of about $568,000; an earlier, higher estimate shown at a prior meeting was about $597,000. The contractor said work could begin June 8 and be completed by Aug. 3 if the board approved the contract and selected an option. "If we get approval tonight to start construction June 8," a McKinstry representative said, "we're buying materials tomorrow." (Contractor, speaker 10)

District staff said the proposal includes architectural and mechanical/plumbing design finalized after review with the fire marshal, and that McKinstry will provide a one-year material-and-labor warranty for the work. The board discussed procurement and payment timing, with staff noting certain insurance and legal requirements that require payments to be made directly to the contractor as reflected in the contract.

After questions about when district budgeting will need to begin, a board member moved to select the tile option and approve the performance contract; another board member seconded the motion and the board approved it by roll call.

The board and contractor discussed next steps: McKinstry will provide final scope exhibits to the administrative team for execution and the board chair will sign the contract. Staff said the district will need to finalize material choices quickly so vendors can be purchased and construction can proceed this summer.

The approval sets the district on a summer construction schedule intended to finish before students return in August.