Low bids allowed West Jefferson Hills School District leaders to add key extras for construction of the new Thomas Jefferson High School that will increase the buildings sustainability and longevity, the superintendent said.
School board members Tuesday awarded $67.4 million in contracts for construction of the school, set to open in the summer of 2018 on 161 acres off Old Clairton Road.
“We're pretty thrilled,” community construction committee chairwoman Deborah Pozycki said as she outlined bids for the board at a work session. “This has been two years in the making.”
Add-ons include LED lights throughout the school, a tile-finished pool and terrazzo — or more sturdy — flooring throughout the building.
The add-ons, Superintendent Michael Panza said, will “save money for the taxpayers in the long run.”
The project, including land acquisitions, legal fees and furniture, was initially estimated to cost $101 million.
“Right now, we can say we are under budget by several million,” Panza said.
District leaders have said they plan to raise property taxes to a state-issued index for seven years. The estimated increase will be $38 to $48 per year for a person who owns a house worth $100,000. Board members have raised taxes to the index for the past three years. Because of the low bids, leaders will reevaluate whether the increase is needed for the next four years, Panza said. The district has taken out three bonds to help pay for the project, he said.
Site preparation is under way. Contractors will likely begin to stabilize the site in March to begin construction.
Board members awarded six contracts Tuesday, in addition to add-ons, insurance and added oversight contracts.
• Nello Construction, based in Canonsburg, was awarded a $42 million contract as general contractor, with add-ons of $2.2 million.
• Ruthrauff Sauer LLC was awarded an $8.6 million contract for the heating and cooling work.
• Kirby Electric Inc. was awarded an $8.4 million contract to serve as the electrician, with add-ons of $800,000.
• Wheels Mechanical Contractors was awarded a $3.6 million contract for plumbing work, with add-ons of $50,500.
• Preferred Fire Protection was awarded a $915,900 contract for fire suppression work, with add-ons of $55,400.
• Commercial Appliance Co. was awarded a $769,862 contract for food service equipment.
Stephanie Hacke is a Tribune-Review staff writer.
