Bon Air Elementary's Construction Bids Still Over Budget
The latest bids for a heating and cooling project and kitchen addition at Burrell's Bon Air Elementary School have once again exceeded the district's budget. This is the second time the bids have come in over budget, even after the scope of the project was reduced.
Superintendent Shannon Wagner confirmed that the bids for the Bon Air project are a little over $10 million, which is the amount initially budgeted by the district. She stated, 'The architect is reviewing the documents, and we will provide further updates to the board next week.'
Despite the setback, the project is crucial for improving the school's infrastructure. Bon Air currently lacks air conditioning, and its heating and ventilation systems date back to 1997. The kitchen expansion is essential to accommodate students from Stewart Elementary, who now attend Bon Air after the district's decision to close Stewart at the end of the previous school year.
The plumbing and electrical portions of the bids are the primary factors driving the budget overruns, according to Wagner. She attributed this to a potential shortage of skilled workers in these fields. 'We need to consider this when making our decision,' she said, emphasizing the importance of addressing the building's maintenance needs.
It's worth noting that a similar HVAC project is already underway at Burrell High School, which also lacks air conditioning and has an outdated heating and ventilation system from 1974. The high school project is expected to be completed by August, and the district has floated a $10 million bond for this initiative. Additional funding of $10 million is anticipated to cover the costs of other projects.
