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Board awards $1.14 million steel contract for Amberly Elementary, approves monument sign
Summary
The board awarded the Amberly Elementary structural steel package to FCC Construction for $1,140,000 (2026 bond funds) and approved a $46,645 contract for a new monument sign at 12th Street Elementary; staff outlined construction timelines including a 2027 groundbreaking for Amberly.
The Portage Public Schools Board of Education voted to award a bid package and approve related facility items tied to its multi‑year building program.
For the new Amberly Elementary School, bid package three (structural steel) was awarded to FCC Construction as the lowest qualified bidder at $1,140,000; funding will come from the 2026 bond fund (fourth series of the 2021 bond). The board discussed what the structural package includes — "those large steel columns," decking and joists — before approving the contract on a voice vote after a motion from Terry.
Board members also approved a contract with Postmine Signs and Graphics of Grand Rapids for $46,645 to replace the monument sign at 12th Street Elementary; the LED sign no longer functioned and the new sign will identify the school (not serve as a message board). Funding for the sign comes from the 2019 building and site sinking fund.
During the long‑term asset planning report that preceded the votes, staff said the district is in phase three of a multiyear plan focused on elementary schools: Central and Haver Hill opened in August 2025, Woodland Elementary is projected to open in 2027, Amberly is scheduled to break ground in the 2027 construction season with an expected opening in the fall of 2028 (presenter also referenced 2029 as a target in related remarks), and the district is pursuing acquisition of a property on Angland Road to allow students to remain in their current building while a new structure is built.
The motion to award the Amberly structural steel contract was moved by Terry, seconded, and approved by voice vote. The monument sign motion was moved by Mark and approved on voice vote.
Staff said routine building and site sinking fund work (lighting upgrades, boiler replacement, roof repair) has reduced pressure on bond dollars and that additional site work (resurfacing, generator purchase, athletic facility work) is scheduled in upcoming years.
