Construction will begin on April 15 for several infrastructure projects at Glen Lake Community School.
Monday night the board approved bids totaling $3.5 million for HVAC, electric, drywall, and masonry work.
According to Glen Lake Superintendent Jason Misner, bids were accepted, about $400,000 under budget. The board went on to say all bids were accepted at the lowest price. The biggest contract was HVAC.
“Quality of bidders were great,” Misner said.
The Laker community recently passed an $8.175 million bond proposal. The maximum 20-year bond term includes a 0.48 millage increase, set to last until 2043. With the bond’s approval, Glen Lake can now begin improvements to address aging mechanical systems, enhance indoor air quality, and create better learning environments.
This bond supports the district’s 10-year, $20 million capital spending plan, continuing efforts that have been underway for the past five years.
The project will include replacing one boiler with a new hot water boiler and other infrastructure work, including ductwork, ceiling, drywall, and bricklaying.
“We will bring another bid package next meeting for casework flooring and paint,” Misner said. “It’s been appealing (for contractors) to do work as the school year continues.”
The Lakers will finalize design details in the coming week, as Glen Lake is poised to raise even more money for the construction project.
“We’ve been taking feedback from the staff. It feels good and doesn’t feel rushed,” Misner said.
This project is projected to last roughly 700 days through 2026.
In other news, Glen Lake will be looking to replace its diesel mechanic and turf field. During the discussion, Glen Lake announced that long-time diesel mechanic Dave Garthe will be retiring at the end of the school year. Glen Lake recognizes those are big shoes to fill and will begin the search immediately with the hopes of having a replacement work with Garthe for a couple of months before he retires.
Another discussion included Glen Lake’s 8-year-old turf field, which will be ready for replacement any year now. The Lakers announced a fact-finding mission to determine what they should do next as the turf field reaches the end of its life. The mission will also examine expanding the football field blueprint, as the press box and concession stands have “serious concerns,” Misner said.
