R-II terminates construction contract
The construction grounds at Maryville High School are sitting untouched since the R-II board of education voted to terminate the current contract with Manning Construction Co. in Kansas City. Due to unforeseen circumstances, construction has been put on hold until later in the spring.
The Maryville R-II board of education voted on Tuesday to terminate the existing contract with Manning Construction Co. effective immediately.
Hired approximately 20 months ago, the construction managing company was unable to provide the district with reasonable prices.
“Our community supported the bond issue back in April,” said Superintendent Larry Linthacum. “At which time, we entered into an agreement with Manning Construction. That process has not gone as well as we would have liked.”
The first step of the construction project, site preparation for the new performing arts center at Maryville High School, was figured to cost 30.4 percent over what was initially estimated.
The initial bid came in at $260,000, and the final bid was $339,000.
“It wasn’t warm and fuzzies,” Linthacum said, “but we had them go ahead and complete the work.”
The second step, securing the foundation, was originally estimated to cost $270,000. The bid came in at $887,000 — $604,000 more than the original estimate.
“We rejected that bid,” Linthacum said.
Since the district was unable to find a reasonable bid for the high school, Linthacum said the focus moved to Eugene Field Elementary School, which has been planning for a remodel of the kitchen and commons area.
The original project was estimated to cost $1.3 million, and the bids came in at $2.5 million.
“As you see a trend,” Linthacum said, “it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know you’re looking at $20 million if you continue down this road.”
After the passing of the bond issue and various other contributions, the district only had a total of $10.808 million to spend on construction and renovations.
“Through the process, we reevaluated everything,” Linthacum said. “We went through everything, all our plans, how they fit with our district goals and mission, vision of being a model school district. We want to give our kids facilities that will give them the opportunity to reach their potential. We did our homework with Manning Construction, but unfortunately things have not gone well.”
With Linthacum’s recommendation, the board voted to terminate the agreement.
In addition, Linthacum asked the board to pass his recommendation to add a stipend for an owner’s representative position. This position would represent the district’s best interests.
“Since we made the decision to end the agreement with Manning Construction,” Linthacum said, “the new position will represent our needs and be familiar with what we do here when it comes to working with the construction company.”
The board voted to approve this recommendation.
Although construction is on hold, the district hopes to hire a new contractor by April.
