Last month, the middle school overage was estimated to be over $2.7 million. | File photo
Last month, the middle school overage was estimated to be over $2.7 million. | File photo
The Jacksonville District No. 117 Board of Education met March 16 to discuss the overage on expenses for the Jacksonville Middle School.
The board provides guidance, oversight and governance for public schools in Jacksonville, Illinois.
Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the district:
Jacksonville School District 117 Board of Education Committee of the Whole
March 16, 2016
The Board of Education of Jacksonville School District 117 met in Committee of the Whole Session on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, beginning at 6:00 PM at the Jacksonville High School.
Members present at roll call were Mrs. Ballard, Mr. Beard, Mr. Cantrell, Mr. Lonergan, Mrs. Maul, Ms. Wagner and Mrs. White. Also in attendance were Superintendent, Steve Ptacek, Assistant Superintendent, Dana Kinley, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Sarah Raynor and Chief Financial Officer, Jamie Hadjan.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Discussion of District Goals and Mission – Mr. Ptacek advised that the topic of Mission and Goals needs to be postponed right now so we can get the construction projects going.
Jacksonville Middle School Discussion with Holland and BLDD – Mr. Ptacek asked BLDD and Holland to speak to the Board about the overages in the bids compared to their original estimate. Last month the overage was estimated to be over $2.7MM. Since then the numbers have gotten even worse. A list of potential finishes was presented that could be sent for re-bid at a lesser price. The recommendations for reduction in the overall scope of work will not have an effect on students or the way the building looks. Mrs. Maul said the total budget was made clear from the beginning and perhaps we were over promised.
The Board agreed that the re-bid requests need to be sent out so that a new bid opening can take place as soon as possible. Mr. Ptacek presented the site plans for the Lincoln Elementary project and explained the work that is proposed for the curbs, sidewalks and the circle drive that has been proposed as an alternate. The total estimate for this alternate is $576,000. He explained that the work on the storm sewers and drains from the building into those sewers is work that will have to be done anyway and we will ask the City to provide funding for the curbs and sidewalks. That brings the total down to about $400,000. Mr. Ptacek asked the Board whether they wanted to proceed with this work. Mrs. White said not making these improvements would be like building a mansion and having a dirt road for a driveway.
ADJOURNMENT – Ms. Wagner moved, seconded by Mr. Lonergan to adjourn the meeting at 6:59 p.m.
Roll: Wagner, Lonergan, Maul, White, Cantrell, Ballard and Beard. Nay; None.
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