Operations Committee backs $532,899 plan to remodel high school science labs

The Operations Committee recommended that the full Mineral Point Unified School District Board of Trustees support a proposed remodel of both high school science labs and the end-of-hallway greenhouse area, which was presented with a total estimated cost of $532,899.

Architect Tim Ruppert of HSR described plans developed after site visits and meetings with the district's two science teachers, and the committee was told that Wynn Jones would supply cabinetry and Market and Johnson provided the construction cost estimate. "The total proposed cost for remodeling the labs and hallway was presented at $532,899," the committee record states. The estimate includes an "estimating contingency" of $41,053 to account for pricing changes before a construction agreement.

Committee members discussed breaking the work into separate phases but were told by Ruppert that there is an economy of scale if the project is completed at once; staging work over two years would likely add cost. The minutes note the labs' fixtures and equipment are believed to be more than 60 years old, lack ADA-accessible features and adequate chemical storage, and limit hands-on learning.

Committee members also discussed funding. The district holds more than $900,000 in Fund 46, and the auditor has recommended spending that balance down; the committee suggested soliciting grants to offset costs. The recommendation to move forward passed in committee by a 3-0 vote, and the item will be forwarded to the full board for consideration.