Bid Period 2 Results and Costing Update
Representatives from Pepper Construction, ARCON and Cotter Consulting provided the board with an update regarding the work that is scheduled to be completed in conjunction with the district’s Future Ready Facilities plans. This update included the following:
- Details about the results of the second bid period for projects that are scheduled to be completed during Phase I of the Future Ready Facilities work. More than 450 bidders were notified about and issued documents for the projects. The district received a total of 96 bids for the 26 packages featured in the second bid period. Of those packages, the ones for the elevators at Hinsdale Central and landscaping at both schools are not being recommended for award at this time because the bids that were received were not responsive to the bid documents.
- An update on the current budget for the Future Ready Facilities work, which includes the two bid periods for the Phase I projects and design and development for Phase II. At this time, the total cost of all the work is 1.07% above what is budgeted. However, through the bid process, we have been able to identify potential voluntary deductions totaling $700,802. If we proceed with these deductions after we discuss, explore and vet them, the delta for the budget will be reduced from 1.07% to 0.48%.
- An update on the status of the project contingencies (cost escalation, design and construction) that have been factored into the overall budget. From the initial program estimate through to the current budget, these contingencies have gone from $23,091,127 to $12,869,294. This is a product, at least in part, of the projects taking shape and becoming more formalized through the work done during the design and development phase and bid periods.
- An update on the construction and bid phases that are scheduled to take place between now and the summer of 2022.
- An update on the key milestone dates that are scheduled through October 2020.
Award Phase I, Bid Period 2 Packages
Per the recommendations of Pepper Construction and the district's joint Facilities and Special Committee, the board voted to award the following bid packages for Phase I, Bid Period 2 as presented.
- Bid Package 5 (Selective Demolition at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Alpine Demolition at Hinsdale Central for a total amount not to exceed $195,500 and Pepper Construction Self Perform Group at Hinsdale South for a total amount not to exceed $467,071.
- Bid Package 6 (Cast-in-Place Concrete at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Abbey Paving Company for a total amount not to exceed $1,739,850.
- Bid Package 7 (Masonry at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to J&E Duff, Inc., LLC for a total amount not to exceed $2,794,000.
- Bid Package 8 (Structural Steel / Miscellaneous Metal at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to TA Bowman Constructors, LLC for a total amount not to exceed $2,004,900.
- Bid Package 9 (General Trades at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Pepper Construction Self Perform Group for a total amount not to exceed $1,695,064.
- Bid Package 10 (Metal Wall Panels at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to G.E. Riddiford Roofing Company for a total amount not to exceed $280,073.
- Bid Package 11 (Roofing and Sheet Metal at Hinsdale Central) to G.E. Riddiford Roofing Company for a total amount not to exceed $840,493.
- Bid Package 13 (Glass and Glazing at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Northern Glass, Inc. for a total amount not to exceed $575,900.
- Bid Package 14 (Drywall and Rough Carpentry at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Pepper Construction Self Perform Group for a total amount not to exceed $781,886.
- Bid Package 15 (Hard Tile at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Lowery Tile Company at Hinsdale Central for a total amount not to exceed $433,000 and to Northern Illinois Terrazzo and Tile at Hinsdale South for a total amount not to exceed $53,100.
- Bid Package 16 (Acoustical Ceiling/Wall Panels at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Alpine Acoustics (N.A. Favia Builder, Inc.) for a total amount not to exceed $408,700.
- Bid Package 17 (Resilient and Carpet Flooring at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Consolidated Flooring of Chicago for a total amount not to exceed $294,164.
- Bid Package 18 (Paint/Coatings at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Cosgrove Construction Company for a total amount not to exceed $317,225.
- Bid Package 19 (Pool Equipment and Structure at Hinsdale Central) to Stuckey Construction Company, Inc. for a total amount not to exceed $2,079,000.
- Bid Package 21 (Fire Suppression Systems at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Absolute Fire Protection for a total amount not to exceed $185,800.
- Bid Package 22 (Plumbing at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to F.E. Moran, Inc. for a total amount not to exceed $1,244,490.
- Bid Package 23 (HVAC and Temperature Controls at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Great Lakes Plumbing and Heating Company for a total amount not to exceed $6,463,000.
- Bid Package 24 (Electrical at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Fitzgeralds Electrical Contracting, Inc. at Hinsdale Central for a total amount not to exceed $4,722,950 and to Meade Electric Company, Inc. at Hinsdale South for a total amount not to exceed $4,965,670.
- Bid Package 25 (Excavation at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Pepper Construction Self Perform Group for a total amount not to exceed $1,747,930.
- Bid Package 26 (Helical Piles at Hinsdale Central) to Stalworth Underground for a total amount not to exceed $714,000.
- Bid Package 27 (Asphalt Paving at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Abbey Paving Company for a total amount not to exceed $861,089.
- Bid Package 28 (Concrete Paving at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Abbey Paving Company for a total amount not to exceed $1,027,675.
- Bid Package 29 (Fencing at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Action Fence Contractors for a total amount not to exceed $835,020.
- Bid Package 31 (Site Utilities at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) to Berger Excavating for a total amount not to exceed $2,749,000.
Reject Phase I, Bid Package 20 (Elevators at Hinsdale Central)
The board voted to reject the bid that was submitted in response to Phase I, Bid Package 20 (Elevators at Hinsdale Central) because it was not responsive to the bid documents. The board's decision was based on a recommendation from Pepper Construction to reject the bid that was received and rebid Bid Package 20.
Reject Phase I, Bid Package 30 (Landscaping at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South)
The board voted to reject the two bids that were submitted in response to Phase I, Bid Package 30 (Landscaping at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South) because they were not responsive to the bid documents. The board's decision was based on a recommendation from Pepper Construction to reject the bids that were received and rebid Bid Package 30.
Committee Reports
Members of the Policy Committee, Finance Committee and joint Facilities and Special Committee provided the board with a report from their recent meetings.
During its meeting on Feb. 3, the Policy Committee reviewed an updated draft of policy 5:20 that featured recommended revisions from the Illinois Association of School Board's (IASB) Policy Reference Education Subscription Service (PRESS). This policy was part of a resolution that was approved by the board during its meeting on Feb. 13. The committee also reviewed the policies featured in Sections 6 and 7 of the district's manual that were proposed as drafts by IASB and are unique to District 86. Following this review, the committee decided that it will send three policies to the board for a first reading on March 12 - 6:40 (Curriculum Development), 6:210 (Instructional Materials) and 6:235 (Access to Electronic Networks).
On Feb. 7, the Policy Committee met with Ken Carter, who is the director of policy services for IASB. During this meeting, the committee members and Mr. Carter reviewed proposed edits to policies in Sections 1 through 5 of the district's manual, as well as ones in Section 8. IASB will update the manual to include these edits and policies that are unique to D86.
During its meeting on Feb. 19, the Finance Committee reviewed the Key Performance Indicator targets for Goal 5 (Resources) of the district's strategic plan. The committee also discussed how to help further educate the community about the ways in which the district's different financial components and obligations are interconnected.
During its meeting on Feb. 21, the Joint Facilities and Special Committee discussed the items listed above in the section titled "Bid Period 2 Results and Costing Update." The committee also received updates about the status of zoning and possible energy incentives from ComEd and Nicor.
The board voted to release the draft minutes from these meetings as part of the consent agenda.
Good News
In his report to the board, Principal Bill Walsh from Hinsdale Central highlighted some of the school's activities and accomplishments. These activities and accomplishments included the following:
- Students, teachers and parents having the opportunity to participate in the annual statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey. According to Central's response rate report, 79% of the school's students, 76% of its teachers and 24% of its parents completed the survey.
- Four students (Alyssa Lee, Daniel Leung, Nicholas Lynch and Thomas Mercurio) being identified as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, which honors the work of graduating seniors.
- Several students being recognized at the Regional FCCLA competition: Marilyn and Maggie Risinger, Gold and Most Outstanding (highest score) in the Apparel Display category; Tasia Chibucos, Gold in the Repurpose and Redesign category; Chigo Ojiako, Gold in the Fashion Construction category; and Colleen Yopp, Silver in the Fashion Construction category.
- Senior Caroline Klobach turning in a spectacular performance at the Sectional tournament for girls gymnastics that resulted in her qualifying for the state finals in all of her events.
- The chess team finishing with a record of 6-1-1 at state.
- Student-athletes Ron Kruse and Cody Tavaso qualifying for state by finishing in second place in their respective weight classes at the Sectional tournament for wrestling.
- The speech team speech qualifying for state by winning the Sectional title and taking first place in several categories: Emma Gordon and Tess Klygis (Dramatic Duet Acting), Emma Gordon (Dramatic Interpretation), Ava Severts (Extemporaneous Speaking), Daniel Leung (Humorous Interpretation), Aaron Lu (Impromptu Speaking) and the Performance in the Round team.
- Sophomore Alexandra Collins and senior Phillip Matthew being among the eight students who were named Distinguished Finalists for Illinois' top youth volunteers of 2020. They earned this recognition in conjunction with the annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, which is a nationwide program that honors young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism.
Principal Arwen Pokorny Lyp's report for Hinsdale South also featured some of the school's recent accomplishments. These accomplishments included the following:
- The varsity girls bowling team qualifying for state.
- The speech team setting a school record by qualifying for state in 10 individual events.
- Student-athletes Glen Hogan and Oscar Choi qualifying for state in wrestling.
- The danceline team dominating the Illinois Drill Team Association 2020 State Finals, with varsity earning the title of AAA High Point Champions and taking first place in AAA Pom Dance and AAA Kick, and junior varsity taking first place in Pom Dance.
- The varsity boys basketball team continuing its spectacular year by compiling a record of 26-3 on the season and 10-1 in conference.
- The math team competing in Regionals.
- The chess team going 2-2 in Sectionals and 4-3 at state.
- The following individuals being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame: Dave Smith, coach/athletic director from 1975-1989; the 1980 football team; Dennis Stejskal, football athlete from the Class of 1974; Dawn Hallett-Ternes, girls basketball athlete from the Class of 1980; and Scott R. Jones, baseball athlete from the Class of 1982.
- The Latin Clubs from District 86 sweeping their final Certamen gathering of the year, with Central taking first place at the novice (Latin I) and lower (Latin II) levels, and South taking first place at the upper level (Latin III/IV).
- Student Safia Khan taking second place in the Annual Highland Park Poetry competition.
- Student Council collecting two large carts filled with donations in conjunction with the food drive it organized on behalf of the People’s Resource Center in Westmont.
Consent Agenda
The board approved the consent agenda as presented. The consent agenda includes personnel, stipends, board bills and meeting minutes. Please visit
http://bit.ly/3a7UXpQ to access the consent agenda items beginning under number five.
Board President's Report
There was no board president's report for this meeting.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Tammy Prentiss gave an update on the search for a new assistant superintendent for academics. She shared that the position has been posted since Feb. 20, and that 20 people have applied for it so far. She said that IASB is in the process of finalizing the school profile for the district, which the organization will use as an advertising tool. She also mentioned that the district will be hosting a pair of meetings with stakeholders on March 6 during which we will get input from students, staff, parents/guardians and community members about the attributes the next assistant superintendent for academics should possess. The first meeting will be with representatives from the Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee (PTAC), Principal-Student Advisory Council (PSAC), Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) from Hinsdale Central and Boosters from both high schools. The second meeting will be with members of the extended District 86 community.
In addition to talking about the search for the assistant superintendent for academics, Superintendent Prentiss said that the members of PTAC, PSAC, PTO and Boosters will discuss dates and times for graduation.
Superintendent Prentiss mentioned that a law firm that represented Sterigenics contacted her to discuss the part of the Consent Order decree mandating that $300,000 be given to a community for environmental improvements. She said that the Office of the Illinois Attorney General is the agency that serves as the approver of this process.
Under the decree, Hinsdale South, Gower Middle School and Gower West School, which all conducted air quality testing at their buildings last year, can each receive $100,000. Superintendent Prentiss shared that she spoke with Mayor Frank Trilla from Willowbrook about this offer/opportunity, and he gave his approval for the schools to accept the donation. She said that she plans to present the board with a formal request to accept the donation in March. If the board approves the request, the district will use the money to pay for LED lighting in the library at Hinsdale South.
Superintendent Prentiss talked about the Wednesday Walkthroughs she conducted at Hinsdale South on Feb. 26. She said that she and Principal Pokorny Lyp visited several classes, including music (chorus and percussion) and ceramics. She said that they saw students participate in an exploratory rotation in Family and Consumer Science. She also said that they stopped by a professional development session where staff were discussing diversity in the school environment and the role they can play in furthering the work being done to support it.
Lastly, Superintendent Prentiss shared that information about the legal fees the district incurs in conjunction with processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests will be added to the district's website and included in reports to the board. You can access the fee information the board received for this meeting by visiting
http://bit.ly/2vpiSCn.
Agreement with the Community House for Social Work and Therapy Services
The board tabled its discussion of this topic for a future meeting. You can access additional information about the proposed agreement by visiting
http://bit.ly/2uy90po.
Financial and Treasury Reports
Per its regular cadence of reporting, the administration provided the board with the treasury and financial reports for January 2020. You can access the treasury report by visiting
http://bit.ly/2Tf3ccI and the financial report by visiting
http://bit.ly/3a8lOC8.
Operational Calendar and Future Agenda Items
Approve Disciplinary Action
The board approved disciplinary action against teacher Lisa Fernandez. Below is the statement that Board President Pollak read on behalf of the entire board following its approval of this action.
"We are aware of an incident at Hinsdale South involving a member of our staff, Lisa Fernandez, who exercised poor judgment by using a racial slur when trying to engage students in a discussion about Black History Month. We take these matters very seriously, and immediately launched an investigation into this situation that was led by our human resources department. This investigation revealed that the use of the slur, while wholly indefensible, was not intended to be malicious or demeaning in nature. With that said, the intent does not excuse the act, or minimize the impact it had on members of the District 86 community.
Our district is strongly committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe, welcome and respected in our buildings. It is because of this commitment that we have no tolerance for the use of such language by our students or staff.
We thank the students who brought this important issue to our attention. We thank the building administration from South and the HR department for its help with the investigation."
