Repairing Slip Behind Bethlehem Elementary Will Cost More Than $300,000
Joselyn King WHEELING - Ohio County Schools will pay more than $300,000 to repair a slip behind Bethlehem Elementary School.
The school building sits atop a hill, and it is the road behind the school's playground parking area that is slipping and is closed off - except during the times of day when buses drop off or pick up students, explained Superintendent Kim Miller.
"We can't even use the road, so that is the need for fixing the slip," she told board of education members Monday night.
David Crumm, director of operations for Ohio County Schools, added he had checked with the state and city to make certain of who owns the road, and it became clear it did belong to Ohio County Schools.
He said he was not certain as to the cause of the slip.
The project initially was bid out, but the school district received no offers, explained Steven Bieniek, business manager. The school district then reached out to three firms seeking a cost for construction, and this is permitted under law when no bids are received, he continued.
Ohio-West Virginia Excavating, who has done similar slip repair work for Wheeling Hospital, agreed it could do the work at Bethlehem Elementary School for a cost of $315,100, The offer was unanimously accepted by board members Monday night.
The school district has an upcoming turf project set at Wheeling Park High School's baseball field, and school officials were looking for a spot to set the soil that will be excavated during the work.
Crumm thanked the Wheeling Park Commission for allowing the school district to place the dirt in a flat area behind the bleachers of the school's new multi-purpose/softball field. This would provide for "future use and options" for that area.
The park commission owns the property, which is leased by Ohio County Schools. Board member David Croft explained any major change in use must be agreed to by the park commission.
"The park commission continues to be a very good partner with Ohio County Schools," he continued.
The board will next convene at 6 p.m. on Sept. 26 at the board office, 2203 National Road, Elm Grove.