A lead contractor has been approved for the upcoming Lincoln Elementary Project.
District 117 board members met at the Lincoln Elementary Gymnasium Wednesday night to hear presentations from two potential contractors: CTS and Johnson Controls.
Representatives of both sides conducted power point presentations to showcase projects they have completed, ideas for the Lincoln Project and answer any questions board members might have.
After the conclusion of the presentations, board members huddled together to weigh the pros and cons of each contractor.
After 20 minutes of discussion, board members voted 5-2 in favor of appointing Superintendent Steve Ptacek to enter into negotiations for a construction contract with CTS. The “no votes” came from Corinne Wagner and Cheryl Ballard.
Ptacek says this was a difficult decision for board members because both contractors have excellent reputations.
“We would have felt very comfortable with both and there were benefits with both of them. The overall similarity of completed projects done well by CTS made the difference in the boards decision.”
Ptacek says CTS has an extended background of experience working with renovation projects, including work at the Triopia School District.
“We have seen the work they have done in Columbia and in Jerseyville. They are both schools that are similar to Lincoln in the before pictures and now equivalent of brand new buildings. They are phenomenal facilities.”
CTS listed several areas of focus for the Lincoln Elementary Project, including window replacements, improved lighting, better CO2 quality for students and staff and upgrades to heating, ventilating and air conditioning.
CTS announced that construction will start on May 31st and conclude on August 12th. The project is estimated to cost between $4.7 and $5.4 million.