The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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July 18, 2011

Renovation on EHS begins in two weeks

Contractors are approved by Enid Public Schools

By Phyllis Zorn, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

By Phyllis Zorn

Staff Writer



Renovation work at Enid High School should begin in two weeks now that the Enid Public Schools Board of Education Monday evening approved Henson Construction’s selection of contractors for the job.

Henson Construction was hired to manage the job on an at-risk basis. If costs run over the agreed price, the costs must be paid by Henson.

After original bids came in higher than anticipated, the components of the renovation work were studied to see where costs could be brought down, Superintendent Shawn Hime told the board.

Ultimately, the projected final cost of the high school renovation will be $8.8 million, $1.1 million less than the original contract with Henson.

“We did not change the value of the building or anything you see in that building,” Hime said. “Enid High School is our flagship school and we’re very proud of it.”

One change made to reduce the cost was to have terrazzo tile installed instead of poured terrazzo floor, Hime said.

Another change was to have a steel structure for the swimming pool.

He said the changes do not change the quality of the job to be done, only the final cost.

Board member Cheryl Patterson said she can’t wait for the renovation of the high school to be completed.

“They will start in two weeks,” Hime said. “We are working on the timeline. It will probably be about 18 months total.”

The high school will get restrooms, repaving of the northwest parking lot, new sidewalks, grounds work to improve property drainage, heat and air improvements, science room upgrades, renovation to the auditorium, doors, painting, lockers, cabinetry, new stage curtains, improvements to the library, flooring, replacement of the entry steps and brick repair.

School board members also approved change orders for work at Hoover Elementary School and ground work at Prairie View Elementary School.

At Hoover, the discovery of termite damage and the need for new cafeteria lighting, concrete replacement and work on a window add up to total changes of $10,920.

At Prairie View, a contract change of $4,400 was approved to fertilize and prepare the ground and upgrade to Bermuda grass.

In other business, the school board voted to encumber funds for the 2011-12 budget and appropriate $5.5 million in bond proceeds to buy busses, pay for technology needs, buy musical instruments and pay for renovation work done so far.

The board also reduced the number of credits needed to  graduate from high school. The board had earlier required 25 credits and now will require 23.

The board’s next meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 1.

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