Wednesday, July 20, 2011

School Board Awards Tech Bid for Middle QVMS Renovation

During a special legislative meeting conducted on Tuesday, July 19th, the Quaker Valley School District Board of School Directors awarded the technology bid totaling $1,929,600 to Horizon Technologies for the renovation of the Quaker Valley Middle School.

The technology award reflects a savings of $74,500 from the bids received earlier this month. The technology component of the project was rebid in order to redefine and clarify specifications for the project.

Construction is scheduled to start at the end of the July, as previously announced.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

QV Board Awards Bids for Middle School Renovation

The Quaker Valley School District Board of Directors awarded bids totaling $21.3 million for the renovation of Quaker Valley Middle School during a special legislative meeting on Wednesday, July 6. Construction will begin later this month.

The district had originally hoped to award bids in April. However, initial bids were significantly higher than expected. As a result, members of the school board and administration modified plans in order to balance the district’s educational and fiscal needs. The current project represents a $4.3 million reduction from the original bids that were received in April.

“This is an important step toward completion of a very important facility renovation – one that is absolutely necessary to support the outstanding educational programming for our middle school students,” Dr. Joseph H. Clapper, superintendent, said.

The following bids were awarded:

  • R.A. Glancy & Sons - General Contracting - $12,469,710
  • East West Manufacturing & Supply – HVAC - $3,857,000
  • Guy’s Mechanical – Plumbing - $1,639,875
  • A-1 Electric – Electrical - $2,126,100
  • Commercial Appliance – Cafeteria/Kitchen Equipment – $535,652
  • Northeast Interior Systems – Casework - $583,000
  • Jupina Landscaping – Landscaping - $78,985

The board elected to reject all technology bids for the project and will rebid immediately. Re-bids for technology are expected to be received in approximately one week.

The total cost of the project, including “soft costs” such as architectural fees, insurance, and construction management fees will likely exceed $26 million.

“We spent much effort weighing the need to provide an effective 21st century school facility vs. the impact of the costs on the local taxpayers,” David Pusateri, Quaker Valley facilities chairman, said. “We believe we were able to find the proper balance that will now allow us to move this important renovation project forward.”

Plans for the middle school project began during the 2008-09 school in order to address an increase in student enrollment, changes and expansions to the educational program and concerns regarding the facility’s infrastructure.

The renovation project includes a major overhaul of classroom and other learning spaces, upgrades to the HVAC and electrical systems, technology enhancements as well as improvements to the building's security system.

“There has been a tremendous amount of time and energy dedicated toward reframing this project since the original bids were rejected two months ago,” Jack Norris, Quaker Valley school board president, said. “I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the administration, board members, and design professionals for their due diligence and dedication to making this project possible.”

The project will begin later this month – approximately seven to eight weeks later than originally expected.

“As we move the project forward, special attention will be paid to the overall construction timeline,” indicated Dr. Clapper. “We will keep parents and community members apprised as to the progress of the project through the district’s renovation blog and general email communications.”

Read more: Timeline on Quaker Valley middle school renovations unchanged