District 64 board approves Midwest Mechanical contract for Lincoln Phase 1; OKs new bus contracts with Safeway and Lakeview amendment

The Park Ridge–Niles Board of Education on April 18 approved multiple facilities and transportation contracts, including a contract with Midwest Mechanical for Lincoln Phase 1 construction and two actions covering student transportation.

Midwest Mechanical: district and vendor representatives described Phase 1 scope (demolition, mechanical equipment prepurchases and related work) and the district moved to approve a guaranteed‑price contract for the project. Administration said the Phase 1 construction will span this summer through next summer and noted safety and communication planning for students who may be on site for summer programs. A Midwest Mechanical representative described the contract as about $1,670,000; the board voted to approve the contract on a roll call vote.

Regular transportation: Adam (district transportation lead) described a required competitive bidding process for regular education routes. After a pre‑bid meeting and bids from multiple vendors, Safeway Transportation Company was recommended as the lowest bidder on route-level pricing. Administration said going out to bid should save the district about $300,000 and recommended a three‑year contract covering the 2024–25 through 2026–27 school years. The board approved the three‑year contract by roll call.

Special education transportation: the board also approved the fifth amendment to the special education transportation contract with Lakeview Bus Lines Inc., a one‑year extension at a 6% increase in current rates. Administration said the extension buys a year to work with the provider to improve communication tools (apps and other channels) and to prioritize service stability while seeking longer‑term improvements.

Board process and vote: motions for the contract approvals were moved, seconded and passed by roll call during the meeting. The administration said it will continue to monitor performance and work with vendors to address operational concerns raised during the prior semester.

What’s next: staff will finalize contract documents, communicate logistics and timelines to families, and implement planned safety and communication improvements for transportation and construction activities.