Valparaiso board approves $1.12 million in contracts and authorizes advertising for middle‑school renovations

The Valparaiso Community Schools board on March 11 approved awards for multi‑school asphalt repairs and a high‑school boiler replacement totaling $1,117,460 and authorized administration to advertise bids for middle‑school renovations funded by the district’s planned 2026 bond.

At the meeting staff said eight bids were received across two categories. Skilman Corporation recommended awarding the asphalt site work to Site Services for a low base bid of $450,460 and the mechanical boiler replacement to ACMS Group for $667,000. A board member noted the low bids were competitive and came in below the project budget, and the board approved the awards.

On earlier old business, Mr. Jim Holyfield requested permission to advertise for bids for work at Ben Franklin Middle School and Thomas Jefferson Middle School covering cafeteria and auditorium updates and other interior finishes. He said funding will come from proceeds of the 2026 bond issue and, if acceptable bids are received, work is planned for the coming summer with substantial completion expected in fall 2026. The board granted permission to advertise.

Project staff provided a progress update on ongoing renovation phases: phase one classroom finishes have been turned over; phase two demolition and classroom finishes are underway with turnbacks planned in the coming weeks; exterior work including footings, CMU foundations and underground utilities has begun. The presenter noted the maintenance building pad will be established soon.

Next steps: staff will proceed with contract notices to proceed for the awarded contractors and will advertise and receive bids for the middle‑school renovation work as authorized by the board.