The Atlantic School Board, minus Board President Ali Bruckner, voted Tuesday to approve a much higher than expected bid for the renovation of the Cass, Incorporate Building the District purchased for $925,000 in March. Board President Ali Bruckner was unable to attend the meeting, while Board member Josh McLaren appeared via conference call.

A bid of $621,000 plus alternate options costing $74,900, was accepted from Ball Team General Contractors, of Urbandale. Board Member Kristy Pellett read the motion reached after 45-minutes of discussion.

The Alternate Options included an Administrative entry at the north door of the building, and restrooms at the Multi-purpose room. The contractor will also work with the District and the Design Alliance Architect firm to “Value-engineer” the costs lower, where possible.

The other, base bids received from General Contractors in Red Oak and Indianola, came in much higher, at $694,000 and $706,000. Design Alliance’ Jerry Purdy said the reason costs are so much higher than what he warned would be likely, just last month, is because of  increased costs for steel, drywall, and other facets of the construction industry, such as changes in the State Building Code. He said that’s where “Value Engineering” comes in. He says that incorporates revisiting details and options in the plans, in order to be more cost effective.

Early estimates are that $18,000 could be saved by going through that process. The Atlantic School Board will likely look at paying for the extra expense through the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) funds.

At the request of Superintendent Steve Barber, Purdy and the General Contractor have agreed to hold a pre-construction meeting this Thursday. Purdy said construction is likely to be completed by August 21^st, or just a couple of days before the 2017-18 School Year begins. It will initially house the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), and the Link Center. Future flexibility may incorporate a building trades program and/or auto shop.