Board approves $333,311.51 contract to rebuild North High parking lot

The Bethany Public Schools Board of Education voted to award Ellsworth Construction a $333,311.51 contract to tear out and replace the North High School parking lot.

District facilities staff told the board the decision followed a formal RFP and mandatory pre-bid walk; Ellsworth was the lowest ‘‘most responsible’’ bidder and quoted a completion date of Aug. 1, with $500 per day in liquidated damages if the work is not finished by the start of school. A facilities staff member noted the tear-out option is intended to address deep cracks and extend the pavement life to 15–20 years rather than a shorter-term overlay.

In discussion, board members pressed for details about scope, curb removal, electrical conduit and drainage. Administration confirmed the bid includes removal of the center curb island, trenching and burying of electrical lines for light poles and that the work covers the existing paved north lot (not the gravel lot). The district said prior comparative estimates showed an overlay would cost about $200,000 and likely last five to seven years, while the full replacement was expected to last substantially longer.

A board member praised the RFP process and close bid spread as evidence of good procurement. The motion to approve the contract passed on a roll-call vote.

Next steps: administration will issue a purchase order to the contractor, coordinate community notifications and confirm a firm start date for summer work and site logistics.