Board debates next steps for Academy/Community Center after bids far exceed estimates

Board members spent the bulk of the meeting discussing the future of the Academy/community center project after bid results significantly exceeded prior estimates. Committee members reported bid packages increased cost exposure by an estimated $5.2 million to $7.6 million depending on alternates; the academy committee recommended asking voters whether to apply roughly $7–7.5 million in grant money to the project and keep the bonded cap at $15.9 million, then let voters decide at a referendum (a May 6 date was discussed).