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Northwestern proceeding with construction project

New bids are closer to budget projections, superintendent says.

Northwestern Local Schools Superintendent Tony Orr holds chunks of concrete that have fallen off the middle school. Staff photo by Bill Lackey

Bill Lackey Northwestern Local Schools Superintendent Tony Orr holds chunks of concrete that have fallen off the middle school. Staff photo by Bill Lackey

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By Megan Gildow-Anthony, Staff Writer 11:23 PM Thursday, February 9, 2012

GERMAN TWP. — Northwestern Local Schools will move forward with its building project this spring after a second round of bids came in more favorably than the 19 percent over-budget estimates from June, said Superintendent Tony Orr.

“The community’s going to be pleased that we’re able to move forward,” he said.

“Certainly it’s a major relief considering the challenges in June.”

In 2009, Northwestern voters approved a funding partnership with the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission to build two new buildings for $51 million to replace aging buildings.

The district has struggled to keep up maintenance on outdated heating systems, water leakage and even pieces of the building falling off, said Orr.

Local taxpayers funded 55 percent, or $28 million, over 28 years and the OSFC paid the remaining cost.

But when the project went out to bid, those bids came back nearly $10 million, or 19 percent, over budget, said Orr.

The district went back to its original plans and reduced costs, going to minimum standards that will be invisible to the average resident, such as reducing the thickness of the foundation, using a lighter gauge steel trusses and split-faced block for the exterior.

When the bids were opened Feb. 7, they were within the expected range, said Orr. After a 48-hour waiting period, no companies had rescinded their offers.

“Based on the bids received, we are near budget but we’re still reviewing the possible alternatives that we’d like to have included,” he said.

The board will vote on the bids at a Feb. 23 board meeting and then the district will schedule a ribbon-cutting ceremony, said Orr.

“The community can expect to start seeing some equipment showing up on the property,” he said.

The 7th through 12th grade building is tentatively scheduled to open in Aug. 2013 with the pre-kindergarten through 6th grade building opening in December, said Orr.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0373.

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