Board approves $60,000 DLR facilities study and several local construction contracts

The St. Joseph School District Board approved multiple facilities-related contracts on May 20, including a $60,000 facilities planning agreement with DLR, local construction work for a Bon remodel and a Ruby Doom roof replacement, and authorization to spend earmarked state equipment funds at the Hillyard Technical Center.

Administration said DLR will provide community-facilitated options for reorganizing the district's facilities and noted that Community Alliance and local partners may offset some or all of the $60,000 cost. The DLR agreement passed by roll call, 6'1 (Miss Williams opposed).

Separately, the board approved contractor selections for the Bon remodel after staff presented competitive bids and recommended Bruner Construction with mechanical and electrical subcontractors; the total projected cost with contingencies was cited at roughly $254,726.15. The board also awarded a Ruby Doom roof replacement contract to Robert's Roofing for $198,400, with the expectation of additional deck or insulation repairs as needed.

Administration reported that some House Bill 2 equipment funds previously thought to be unavailable remain allocated to the district for Hillyard Technical Center equipment and must be spent by June 30. The board approved purchase authority not to exceed stated amounts so the district can procure equipment (100% state-reimbursed) to outfit a simulated manufacturing lab.

Board members emphasized fiscal caution: several asked whether the board would be required to implement every DLR recommendation and sought assurance that the board would retain final decision authority on any recommendations that affect school locations or programming.

Next steps: Administration will begin the DLR-facilitated planning process, initiate construction contracts and begin procurement of Hillyard equipment with the goal of using the state funds before the June 30 deadline.