Bid for school renovation comes in under budget

A construction bid awarded by the school board June 12 to Flintco came in $600,000 below the original $12 million estimate, according to a district news release. Officials will begin the two-year project this summer.

Cherokee will increase to about 124,000 square feet from 102,000 square feet. Major portions of the school will be replaced; its food service, multipurpose, lunch, administrative, counseling and science rooms will be upgraded; and its circulation, heating, air conditioning and electrical systems will be improved.

Total project costs are estimated at $15 million. Sapp Design Associates PC is the architect.

Cherokee is one of 24 district schools that will be renovated under the district’s 18-cent increase in its debt service levy, approved by voters in April 2006. The levy increase will generate $96.5 million to address air-conditioning needs, overcrowding, school repairs and renovations, and upgrades at three high school science and technology labs.