Spencer County board reviews lower-cost alternative after bids come in ‘astronomically high’

The Spencer County Board of Education on Nov. 11 heard architects and construction managers describe alternatives after the district’s spring bids came in far above estimates and were rejected.

Allison, representing Sherman Carter Barnhart, told the board the cost per square foot to infill the Central County Elementary courtyard was “so high” that it was difficult to justify the work. She proposed a gym addition at the northeast corner that would provide seating for about 800 students, repurpose the existing gym, and locate a Discovery Hub inside the existing footprint to reduce new square footage and lifecycle costs. “The cost per square foot on the courtyard was so high,” she said, arguing the addition could be a better stewardship of district funds.

Representatives from Alliance Corporation, the construction manager the district hired in July, urged breaking the work into trade packages instead of a single general-contractor bid to increase subcontractor participation and reduce markup. “We’ve gotta get you an awardable project,” said Matt Gumb of Alliance, recommending alternates and phased packages so the district can add or subtract items on bid day and attract two or three bidders for key trades.

Board members pressed for clearer cost estimates and timing. RSA Advisors and others later told the board a rebid in late spring would be reasonable if design and phasing work proceed; Alliance and district staff said they will meet weekly during the redesign and vet contractor participation. The board did not take formal action on the design direction at the meeting; staff and consultants were directed to continue refinement and return with pricing and a revised schedule.

Next steps: the district will continue design work, test phased trade packaging with Alliance, and aim to rebid the project in late spring 2025, pending updated cost estimates and contractor participation.