Avon board awards Lee Company for high-school bleachers, approves playground, wall repairs and bus substitutions

The Avon Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees approved multiple capital projects and contract awards in a single session, voting unanimously on each item.

For the Avon High School bleacher project, administrators said they issued an RFP that drew three proposals; Lee Company's bid came in about $100,000 less than competing offers. Dr. Finley recommended Lee Company, noting the product spec (Hussey-style units) and a plan to begin work in August and complete the primary installation in a few months so athletic schedules are minimally disrupted. "They are saying we should... be done in just a couple of months," Dr. Finley said. The board approved the Lee Company award on a motion by Josh, seconded by Jennifer; the motion carried 5''00.

The board also approved a Sycamore Elementary playground replacement contract with CRG. Dr. Finley told trustees the selected design mirrors equipment at Evergreen and Willow and includes upgraded subsurface safety surfacing; the motion to award CRG passed 5''00.

For River Birch Elementary, the board approved Elite Pro Painting to complete wall repairs, PVC base installation and painting. Administrators said three bids were received and that the board chose the higher-quality paint option (about $4,500 more) for durability; the award passed 5''00.

On transportation, Dr. Finley explained an amendment to the 2026 bus replacement plan to move two 14-passenger diesel special-education buses with wheelchair lifts into 2026 because of operational need; the board approved the amendment 5''00, and administrators said the change will reduce planned replacements to zero in 2027.

Board members asked about RFP counts, seating capacity (the new bleachers will provide roughly the same 3,080 net seats), accessibility accommodations and construction timing. Administration committed to coordinate with operations staff to schedule the bleacher installation outside of major competitive seasons.

All four contracts/awards were approved by unanimous votes; administration will proceed with contracting and scheduling work with the selected vendors.