Board accepts lower-than-expected construction bids, hears fuel-hedging update

The Greenfield-Central Community Schools board voted to accept construction bids for multiple project packages after district staff said the proposals were lower than anticipated.

Staff member (Speaker 6) presented the bids compiled by Skillman and noted Lancer & Associates helped draw interest across bid packages 1–5. "The bids did come in lower than anticipated," staff said, and recommended the board accept the bids as presented. Speaker 10 moved to approve the construction bids and the motion passed with aye votes from the board.

The decision follows a construction update earlier in the meeting on the tennis courts west of the high school, where staff said resurfacing and sealing are complete but striping and punch-list items remain; the courts are unlikely to be ready for spring competition.

Separately, the board received an update on the district's participation in a bond-bank fuel-hedging program. Staff (Speaker 4) explained the gasoline cap shown in the program materials reflects NYMEX pricing, not retail pump prices, and noted the district's share of gasoline rebates was about $900 this month and diesel about $2,600. "Year to date, we received $6,540.36," staff reported, and said that figure has exceeded the district's cost to participate so far.

Staff said they will continue to provide quarterly updates on both construction progress and the hedging program. There was no opposition to the motions approving bids and related routine items.