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Superintendent's Corner
March 3, 2024
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In this exciting issue...
- Three More Referendum Questions Answered
- Two More Open Houses This Week
- Teacher Conferences Around the Corner
- Upcoming Calendar Reminders
- Thanks to the PTC for Another Great FunFair
Three More Referendum Questions Answered
How did the ALL IN survey data inform the Board's decision?
The ALL IN survey was one component of many that affected the Facilitating Team's report and the Board's decision. Additionally, the 2022-2023 Facilities & Finance Committee Report (with pre pandemic pricing) provided extensive information for the Board's decision. Many people focus on which option was most preferred. That is understandable. The Board's charge is to determine the most effective long-term solution to meet the needs of students, staff and community. At the end of the survey (p. 8, click here), the most respondents did indicate they could support the least expensive option that had the least long term effectiveness. And 56% of respondents indicated they could support the option that the Board eventually put on the ballot. Long term savings for the District and taxpayers and long term effectiveness for our kids, along with survey feedback and Facilitating Team feedback from community engagement are what led to the Board's decision.
How did the Board arrive at $89.8M?
In actual construction projects, the Board is required by law to take the lowest bid for everything from electrical installations to concrete to plumbing and more. However, the Board cannot go bid out all these projects before the community has indicated if it will support the referendum.
So the Administration first asked its architect (since 2013) to estimate "all in" costs on a square foot basis. This was done after DLA had met with students and staff. Next, in the Fall of 2023, the Administration asked LAMP, Inc., a veteran construction management firm, to review and confirm or revise the estimated costs. LAMP did this based on its database of bids compiled over previous years. From hundreds of jobs bid, it then determined the likely costs on a square foot basis, including escalation to account for the bids likely going out in 2025. That estimated "all in" cost includes industry standard fees, contingency, and expected environmental study and permitting fees. Despite misinformation being shared on social media, the pricing is in line with other post-pandemic bids in school construction in the area for "all in" pricing.
You can click on this link to see a basic cost breakdown provided by LAMP, Inc. This is the most it would cost. The referendum is stated as a "no more than" question. If the bids on the projects come in under estimated costs, then the Board will either not issue all the bonds, or will pay some portion of the bonds with the unused money. The Board can use the bond money only on what is listed on the referendum ballot, nothing else.
How does the Board choose a construction manager?
School Districts select construction managers through what is called a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process, which does not require taking a low bidder but does require price is a substantial component in the selection. The Administration issued an RFQ in December, held a mandatory meeting with potential bidders in January, and seven (7) formal proposals were submitted in late January. From that point, Dr. Arreguin, Ms. Dever the Chief School Business Official, and I reviewed submissions and selected the three best candidates for interviews. After that, we selected LAMP, Inc. and recommended the Board approve an agreement with LAMP.
By clicking on this link, you can see the memo to the Board outlining the process, a summary of the other bidders, including LAMP, which was the second lowest bidder and the one deemed best for the work with the District.
Calendar Reminders
March 4: Early Voting Begins at Centennial in Wilmette
March 19: Election Day
March 20: 1/2 Student Day, In-Person Teacher Conferences in PM & Evening
March 21: 1/2 Student Day, Remote Teacher Conferences in PM & Evening
March 22: No Student Attendance, Teacher Institute Day
March 25 - 29: Spring Break
April 1: No Student Attendance, Teacher Institute Day
April 2: Student Attendance Resumes