Shawnee Heights board approves gym and playground work; contractor says 87% of dollars go to local subcontractors

The Shawnee Heights Board of Education voted to approve remaining gymnasium work packages and to replace several corroded playground domes at its recent meeting.

Kendall representative Jake told the board the gym packages drew about 60 bids and “about 87% of the dollars are going to local subcontractors,” a figure the board and staff framed as a local-economic benefit from the bond program. Jake added the bids are tracking roughly $25,000 under budget so far.

Tucker Peddicord, who provided the bond update, said crews finished rooftop HVAC units in June, moved on to condensing units and are continuing playground and parking-lot work. On the domes, he said the steel bases were rusted under the rubber mulch and staff determined that repairing parts would leave old corroded material in place. “It was like, you know what? We should probably replace these if we're trying to do right by the playgrounds,” Peddicord said, arguing replacement better protects the new turf.

The board approved the gym amendment and the dome replacements by voice vote; the actions were recorded as unanimous in favor. Staff said the next round of GMPs (guaranteed maximum prices) for Barrington and the middle/high school packages will return to the board for approval in August and October, respectively, with construction continuing into the next school year.

District staff emphasized the work is being staged to finish major exterior projects over the summer to reduce disruption during the school year. The board’s approvals clear the way for contractors to proceed with the approved scope under the bond program.