Kennett board awards New Garden Elementary bids, approves $849,137 modular lease for Greenwood

The board moved forward on the district’s major facilities work, approving the recommended prime contracts for New Garden Elementary after a public bid process and authorizing related PlanCon filings for state reimbursement readiness.

Facilities staff told trustees the district would recommend awards to a general contractor and mechanical (HVAC), electrical and plumbing contractors required under Act 66. Administrators said bids came in about 8% above prior estimates but included allowances; the proposed opening is fall 2026.

Trustees then considered a mobile‑lease proposal to relocate two existing modular units and install two additional units at Greenwood to allow demolition and construction access. The district presented the contract price as $849,137 for relocation and installation (a 24‑month arrangement under a cooperative purchasing network). Trustee Kramer urged the board to consider delaying approval to evaluate whether delaying construction could yield cost savings, saying, "My suggestion would be to delay this vote, pending that, additional discussion." Other trustees argued costs could rise if the board waited. The motion to approve the mobile lease carried.

Administration also moved and the board approved PlanCon Part F (bid certification) and Part G (project accounting based on bids) for New Garden so the district remains positioned for state reimbursement if the program reopens. Separately, the board approved an amendment to Dewey Engineering’s agreement to provide grant‑administration services, noting Dewey would receive 10% of any grant award to pursue funding opportunities (administration cited a $4,000,000 target for New Garden).