KCS accepts bid to construct new middle school building
Published 11:09 am Friday, February 12, 2016
By Rebecca Rider
rebecca.rider@salisburypost.com
KANNAPOLIS — The Kannapolis City Schools’ Board of Education moved Friday to accept a construction bid for a Kannapolis Middle School extension. The bid, submitted by Edison Foard, Inc., will be for a total amount of $35,322,900.
“We’re just as excited as we can be,” Superintendent Dr. Daron “Chip” Buckwell said.
The board considered three bids for the new building which, along with the original Kannapolis Middle School building, will house grades six through eight. The board agreed to accept a base bid plus allowances of $32,765,900 from Edison Foard, Inc.
KCS has been hoping to expand the current middle school for several years, Buckwell said. When the system opened Kannapolis Middle School in 2005 they were offered a large parcel of land but were only able to purchase part of it, Buckwell said. Boardmember Danita Rickard said they purchased the rest of the parcel several years ago, and have been waiting to add an expansion. The new building will allow KCS to add expanded programs to its middle school curriculum.
The board spent some time debating alternates, particularly whether the new building should have a solar PV array and tennis courts.
“I think it’s the right thing to do,” Chairman Todd Adams said.
After some discussion, the board agreed to accept 13 of 14 offered alternates, bringing the total bid amount to $35,322,900.
Rickard motioned to accept Foard, Inc.’s bid, and Doris Buchanan seconded. The motion was unanimously approved.
“I never signed anything with that much money,” Adams said.
The new Kannapolis Middle School building will be constructed next to the current facility, and the two buildings will be managed by the current principal.
The bid will be turned in Monday to Cabarrus County Commissioners for approval. If all goes well, the board hopes to break ground on the new building in late March, with a little celebration.
“I think we’ve worked on this for a long time,” Adams said. “I think it deserves a celebration.”
Contact reporter Rebecca Rider at 704-797-4264.
