Dirt work for USD 234 projects expected to begin soon

At a price tag of nearly $25 million, the bulk of projects in the $40.8 million USD 234 school bond issue is expected to begin soon.

During its Monday meeting, the USD 234 Board of Education unanimously approved allowing Nabholz Construction Services of Olathe and Hollis and Miller Architects of Overland Park to proceed with key items related to the "shell" for various construction projects at all four district schools.

Steve Bennett, senior project manager for Nabholz, provided information to the board on results of project bidding that took place Dec. 3 at the Nabholz offices in Olathe, with the idea of "moving forward with some key components, meaning the shells," Bennett said.

"It's an exciting time," he said. "I was very pleased with the outpouring of bids, and the local interest."

The board approved moving forward with 23 packages at a total cost of about $24.7 million. Project costs per package range from $23,365 for termite treatment to $3.1 million for supply of pre-cast concrete and nearly $6 million for mechanical systems.

Upcoming projects include secure entries and high-wind shelters at the middle school, a new auxiliary gymnasium, science wing and high-wind shelters at the high school, and cafeterias and high-wind shelters at both elementary schools.

Project work is expected to begin at the high school in order to lessen the time displaced teachers are inconvenienced. A new school building at the high school will replace the old Juco wing that was demolished this summer.

Improvements at Frary Field, including a new artificial turf field, were also completed this summer.

Other planned improvements include upgrades to finishes in the commons area and "ag hall" at the high school, a technology wall at the high school and creation of flexible learning spaces at all schools.

One project involving asphalt will be a new road at Winfield Scott School. He said the circle drive that serves as a student drop-off point for parents will be extended when an asphalt road is put in around the school's playground to exit on Sunset Drive.

There were about 100 bidders per project, more than 300 total bids and almost 60 different bid packages on Dec. 3. Contractors participating in the bidding ranged from local companies to contractors in surrounding areas and other parts of the region and state.

Bids were broken down into separate packages and based on contractor areas of expertise. Contractors could bid on entire projects or parts of projects.

USD 234 Superintendent Bob Beckham said after board approval Monday, the district will move forward first with "all major construction components."

"What they (Nabholz) asked the board to approve is, based on the bids received, they are confident in saying we can do that demolition work for that price or less," Beckham said Tuesday.

He said no other buildings will be torn down, but demolition will involve modification at all four school buildings in preparation for upcoming site work.

"They want the latitude to continue to talk to bidders for a possible better deal on some of the work," Beckham said. "They will look at site and dirt work and focus on narrowing those prices to exact contractual amounts, award the bid accordingly and put them to work."

Bennett said Nabholz's goal as construction manager at-risk is to keep all bond projects "within budgeted amounts" and "within bond referendum costs."

"We will now enter hard discussions with contractors," he said. "The construction manager's goal is to deliver at the best value and most efficient way possible, and guaranteeing performance at costs or lower."

Bennett provided some timeframe estimates for the board, saying dirt work and footings should hopefully start within about two weeks. He said the overall project is about two months behind the original planned timeframe.

"To do contract work will take a couple of weeks," he said. "We'll be ordering some drawings that will take about four to six weeks ... we can do footings in the worst Kansas weather."

"The optimistic goal is to have dirt being moved by Christmas," Beckham said.

Bennett said he is "satisfied" with the figures so far and is ready to move forward. Board President Jordan Witt asked Bennett if the board will at some point see names of bidders.

Bennett said after final discussions with contractors, the board will "eventually see a complete list of bidders."

Board member Janet Braun asked Bennett if work at the high school is expected to be done by the end of the school year to avoid once again having to displace teachers.

"It will be tight. It will be a challenge," Bennett said.

Beckham said the district will have "Plan B" ready if that situation were to occur again.

"We're working to make sure things are covered," Bennett said.