Benzie Central board awards $1.19 million in sinking‑fund construction contracts

The Benzie County Central Board of Education on Oct. 13 approved four sinking‑fund construction contracts totaling $1,191,625.

President Brian Childs conveyed the Buildings and Grounds Committee recommendation, based on Kingscott Associates’ post‑bid interviews and contractor performance reviews, to award the Betsie Valley remodeling (kitchen, canopy, restrooms) to Grand Traverse Construction for the low bid of $676,360 and to accept two alternates (additional wall tile $10,550; new lay‑in ceiling $6,460). Brainard Enterprises received the corridor locker replacement contract for $413,190; Hallmark Construction received the high school/middle school window replacement contract for $79,800 (with an alternate for additional windows priced at $125,000); and Triangle Associates was chosen for the high‑school soffit remodeling at $22,275. The committee recommended approving the three alternates for Betsie Valley.

The board approved each motion unanimously (7–0). The projects will be funded from sinking‑fund dollars; the recommendation noted Triangle Associates reduced one demolition line item by $925 because the district will provide demolition services. Construction scheduling and post‑bid verification were cited as reasons for the recommendations. The district noted the track project is also nearing completion, with final coating and striping scheduled in the coming week.