Marshall County Board of Education Awards $12.3 Million Contract for New Sand Hill Elementary School
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The Marshall County Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously approved hiring Waller Corporation of Washington, Pennsylvania, to build the new Sand Hill Elementary School for $12,275,800.
Waller was the low bidder on the project, which is expected to take about a year and a half to complete. This includes razing of the existing building.
Other bidders on the project included Colaianni Construction at $13,200,000 and Grae-Con Construction at $13,300,000.
Board member Lori Kestner and board President John Miller pointed out that Waller's bid was about $1 million less than the other two bidders. Michael Price, facilities director for Marshall County Schools, said he was surprised by how low all the bids were as he and the engineers estimated the cost could be as much as $15 million. However, the prices of some building materials have likely decreased in recent months.
"The pricing is so hard to get a grasp on anymore. I'm very pleased with this cost," he said of Waller's bid. "I think we did really good."
Price added that he has worked well with Waller in the past.
"They do good work. They're very reputable. They're doing several projects right now in Wheeling," he said. "I've worked with them multiple times over the last 20 years."
The new modular building that will serve as the temporary classrooms and office space for Sand Hill Elementary was recently transported to the site, Price said.
The students and staff will use the modular while the new school is being constructed. A nearby community center will serve as the cafeteria for the students during the work as well.
Some work to the community center, including upgrading of its HVAC, is being done in preparation for the 2023-24 school year, Price said.
In other matters, it was noted that the Back 2 School Fun Fair is slated from 9 a.m. to noon today at the Moundsville Center inside the old Moundsville Penitentiary. The free event gives Marshall County students backpacks, supplies, haircuts and more to get ready for the new school year. There are also chances to win a bike and tickets to Kennywood. Milk and doughnuts will also be offered.