Board of Education Approves Guaranteed Maximum Price Contract for New Elementary School

Your contribution today guarantees Decorah News is asking the questions tomorrow. Act now. DECORAH — The Decorah Community School District Board of Education unanimously approved a $37.9 million guaranteed maximum price contract for construction of a new elementary school, marking a major milestone in the long-planned project. The board voted to approve a guaranteed maximum price amendment with Miron Construction totaling $37,924,666. The contract sets the maximum construction cost for the project. On Monday, Blake Pratt of Miron Construction presented the amendment in person. Nick Hildebrant and Patty Spowart of Emergent Architecture, along with Tom Zahalka of Miron Construction, participated virtually. The approved amount reflects construction costs and previously approved alternates, and project allowances. According to information presented at the meeting, the guaranteed maximum price covers construction only and does not include certain owner-related expenses such as design and engineering fees, furnishings and equipment, abatement, playground equipment, scoreboards, testing and inspections, video surveillance or lockers. The board had discussed and approved several project alternates in a prior meeting. Those alternates were incorporated into the final construction total presented Monday night: Outbuilding by Tennis Courts Artificial Turf Porcelain Tile Walls in Commons Window Area Casework in Classrooms PLC Room Casework Athletic Equipment Gym Bleachers Nest Area Decorative Railing Tennis Court Lighting Add Rammed Aggregate Piers Under Slab on Grade In his superintendent's report, Dr. Tim Cronin said Miron's bid analysis showed that without the low bids received, the total project cost would have been approximately $46,216,774. Board members expressed appreciation for competitive bids from local vendors, which significantly lowered the overall cost of the project. Get the inside scoop! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and receive local news, expert analysis, and stories that matter most—straight to your inbox. The guaranteed maximum price structure allows the district to move forward with contracts and scheduling under a defined budget. With the board's approval, Miron Construction can begin issuing contracts and notices to proceed for subcontractors.