A Wichita construction company will be tasked with leading three projects for USD 257, including a new elementary school, a new science and technology building at Iola High School and new heating, ventilation and cooling systems at the middle school. Voters in April approved $35 million for the three projects.
A committee chose Coonrod & Associates to serve as construction manager for the project. The committee interviewed three construction companies Monday and made their selection using a scoring matrix in eight areas, covering things like arrangements with local contractors, references and past performance, for a total of 80 points. The companies submitted a fee structure to the state, which scored them based on a 20-point scale for a combined 100 possible points. Coonrod scored 83.97.
Just a point separated Coonrod from the next-highest scoring company, and another point between the second and third places, Superintendent Stacey Fager said.
They were extremely close. We had three outstanding construction companies to choose from and I think thats a testament to this district and these projects, Fager said. We were very impressed with these companies and it was an extremely tight race. All three could have done an outstanding job.
The board will need to officially approve the selection at their next meeting Aug. 12. Fager did not release other details, including the fee structure or timeline, pending the boards approval.
Coonrod is no stranger to school construction. The companys current projects include school additions and renovations in Haysville, Valley Center, Wamego and Holcomb. It also has built schools in Chapman and Derby. It has built hospitals, recreation centers and sports complexes, industrial facilities, correctional institutions and more.
SOIL TESTING is expected to begin next week at property near Kentucky and Monroe streets, the projected site of the new elementary school. Terracon Consultants will begin to test the soil for lead and contaminants next week, and also will conduct geotechnical soil stability tests to make sure the land can hold an elementary school building, Fager said.
All property owners have given consent for the testing.
The property is believed to be contaminated by lead from an ironworks foundry and zinc smelters on the site about 100 years ago. Lead by-products were spread throughout the area before the health dangers from lead were well-known. Veterans Worldwide is replacing soil at various residential locations around Iola on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency.
THE DISTRICT last week approved the purchase of two properties, 419 and 423 E. Jackson St., from Norman Mullins for $62,680. The properties are located just west of Iola Middle School and across the street from four houses being demolished to make way for the new science building at the high school campus.
The district did not solicit properties other than the four needed for the science building, school board president Dan Willis said, but some owners in the vicinity asked if the district would be interested in purchasing their properties. The board will consider properties that fit into its master plan, which could eventually lead to replacement of the aging high school, Willis said.
The use of the Stanley properties has not yet been determined, Fager said.
