Board approves demolition contract after inspectors find unreinforced walls and water damage

Consultant Brock Miller (speaker 15) told the Perry County School District No. 32 board that two demolition bids were returned for the 200/300 wing and gym work and that Marshall Rekking submitted the low bid at $443,057, which includes a $50,000 allowance and shoring work. Miller explained that the building had extensive deterioration, that mold remediation and asbestos abatement would be required, and that some structural elements were unreinforced and beyond practical retrofit.

Board members asked about structural safety in the gym and the costs of repairing versus replacing: consultants said horizontal cracks in unreinforced masonry and prolonged exposure to the elements made repair likely to approach replacement cost. They also reported a series of inspections and a forthcoming mold/abatement proposal and recommended awarding the contract so the district can complete demolition work this summer and proceed with construction planning.

After questions about contractor experience and timing, a board member moved to approve the advertised demolition bids and to award the contract; the board approved the motion by voice vote. The consultant noted the low bidder would honor an alternate price for an extended period if the board chose to accept alternates later, and that some mobilization/shoring costs could be reduced if scope were consolidated.

The board directed staff to finalize contract documents, secure abatement proposals, and coordinate with FEMA damage-assessment procedures where applicable.