Staff Reports
Jefferson ISD trustees are still looking to finalize a project for the W.F. Lockett Bulldog Stadium.
The board met in special session last Thursday, discussed options, and hired a contractor.
The list of possible updates for the project include a new press box, upgraded drainage systems, artificial turf for the football field, new lighting, new parking lots, a new ticket booth, new fencing, sidewalks, and an ornamental entryway.
Barnwell explained the district had received two quotes from contractors related to the tentative stadium project.
The quotes received were for the full scope of the potential project.
The base-bid quotes were from Contech with a price tag of $6.2 million and Ideal Construction for $6.3 million. Barnwell told the board he and Mike Wood used a template to grade the quotes to determine the best value for the district.
Barnwell said a $6 million project was not in the works. The district will need to trim down the project before its finalized.
According to superintendent provided minutes from the meeting, the following is the criteria that was considered:
1-Overall Bid/Proposal.
2-Reputation of vendor.
3-Experience in working with other school districts.
4-Experience with working with similar construction projects.
5-Location of vendor’s business.
6-Vendor’s past relationship/experiences with the district.
Contech’s grade was 100.
Ideal’s grade was 83.
Following a few questions and comments from Board members, Bobby Langbartels made a motion to select Contech as the contractor for the tentative project and to authorize the superintendent to negotiate with Contech representatives in an attempt to develop a scope of work that will be affordable and manageable within the constraints of a budget of approximately $3.5 million dollars.
The motion was seconded by Kevin Godfrey.
Contech Contractors is based in Texarkana and is the same contractor that constructed the additional classrooms at Jefferson Elementary School in recent years.
Barnwell said he would work with the vendor and architect and attempt to have some information available before the next board meeting on February 8.
The motion carried, 5-0.
In other business, a discussion was held related to the possible options for high school graduation venues.
It is understood that, should the stadium project be approved, the graduating class of 2022 would not have the option of having the graduation ceremony at the football stadium this spring.
Following input from all board members, Barnwell said he would research options, communicate with the senior class students and determine the best scenario
He said he would keep the board members informed.
Lastly, Barnwell stated the minutes should reflect the previous acceptance of a resignation from Amber Hitchcock.