Gravette School Board accepts bid for maintenance building

GRAVETTE — In a special meeting last Monday night, members of the Gravette School Board voted to accept a bid of $275,273.40 from Tri-Star Contractors of Siloam Springs to construct a 3,600 square foot maintenance building southeast of the existing bus barn. The building, when completed, will replace the current maintenance facility which will be used for the school’s new welding program. Cost of construction will be paid from the building fund.

Michael Spaeth, from BiLD Architects, was present at the bid opening and reported that Tri-Star was the lowest of seven bidders. He said he had already contacted subcontractors and checked their references and expected to begin work this week.

Two new board members, Hope Duke and Heather Finley, were welcomed at the beginning of the meeting. Retiring board president Jim Singleton chaired the meeting until the arrival of Jay Oliphant, who conducted the rest of the business. Election of officers will be held at the next regular meeting of the board Oct. 20.

In other business, members approved a student transfer request for a student who came from Gentry. The student moved to Fayetteville for a few days but had returned and wanted to go back to Gentry even though he is living with his father who resides in the Gravette district.

After business manager Bill Hayford reported on fund balances in the building fund, debt service fund and student growth fund, Hope Duke said there was plenty of money readily available to finance the maintenance building and the planned addition to the upper elementary school. She urged the board to “see the broader picture” and use part of the available funds to upgrade the upper elementary library.

Bryan Johnson, chairman of the facilities committee, explained that the plan chosen for the upper elementary addition was designed to most efficiently use the space available. Jay Oliphant said he felt making changes in the plan now would be disruptive of the projected completion date at the opening of school in August, 2017, and disrespectful of the board members who put in many long hours considering the plans.

After some discussion of the UE addition plans, board members returned to consideration of choosing a construction manager to oversee the project. Seven firms applied for the job and Spaeth reported he and members of the facilities committee had heard reports from each and used a general rating program to rank them. Crossland, Nabholz and Milestone were the top three choices. Two of the top three have employees living in the school district.

Members voted to enter into negotiations with Nabholz because of the good reputation of the firm, its strong relationship with the school and its past history with the district. Nabholz built the new high school building and has proved with that and other major projects that it can do the job. Richard Page, superintendent of schools, said it was important to choose a board member as a representative to serve with him in negotiating a fee structure. Bryan Johnson has agreed to serve in that capacity.

Superintendent Page asked for recommendations of persons to serve on the facilities committee. Retiring board members Jim Singleton and Susan Santos have both expressed their willingness to serve and other suggested prospects will be contacted and recommendations brought to the Oct. 20 meeting. It was decided that John Edwards, Jack Skillett and new board member Hope Duke will be voting members on the committee.