— from Orcas Island School Board —
On Monday of last week, the School Board opened submitted bids for the 2017 Bond Project. The District received three bids from the following General Contractors: Tiger, Dawson, and Faber Construction. All three bids were in excess of the cost estimates and the Bond Budget. This is not unusual nor is it unexpected in bidding projects, especially those on the island; however, it means that the projects and overall scope of the bond must be reduced (unfortunately).
During the Special Meeting on Tuesday, the School Board did not accept any of the submitted bids. The Board reviewed and discussed at length the projects within the 2017 Bond and re-prioritized the projects. This will allow the district to issue re-bids to be prepared and advertised this week. Opening of the new bids will take place on Tuesday, December 18.
The new bid package will include the following scope of work for the 2017 Bond:
| BASE BID: Old Gym Renovation | Combination Domestic Water and Fire Pump Site Access: February 2019 Substantial Completion: August 2019 |
| Field, Base Prep, Curbs, Fencing | Site Access: April 2019 Substantial Completion: October 2019 |
| ADD ALTERNATES: Track | Site Access: April 2019 Substantial Completion: October 2019 |
| Multi-Purpose Room | Site Access: January 2019 Substantial Completion: August 2019 |
| Entry Drive, Parking Lot, Pedestrian Paths | Site Access: June 2019 Substantial Completion: August 2019 |
Separate Bid Package
HS Mechanical work will be removed from this bid package and will be bid as a separate package in mid to late January.
Although it is disappointing that the scope of the Bond will change, we look forward to the changes and improvements this Bond will make on our campus for our students and staff.
Please look for updates periodically as we continue to move on this project.
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This is the time wher the school board needs to be on point.. Prioritizing and keeping the big picture in view. With that, they will accomplish the nessacery steps for a fudicially and practical outcome.