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New Johnson Elementary School Project Takes Next Big Step as Bids for Contractors Now Being Solicited

By Jeff Toquinto on April 07, 2017 via Connect-Bridgeport.com

It’s been some time since there’s been public discussion on the new, multi-million Johnson Elementary School that will be built in Bridgeport. However, things are still moving ahead and a big step was taken on Monday of this week.
According to Harrison County Assistant Superintendent of Schools Anthony Fratto, not only are the design documents completed, but the project is now officially out to bid. The request for proposals from contractors went out Monday in area newspapers for the $16.7 million, two-story, and 65,000 square foot structure.
 
“It may not seem like there has been activity, but there has been plenty. When you’re doing a project of this magnitude, this is a standard process,” said Fratto. “We’ve had architects, a construction management company and our staff working diligently on this for several months to get to this point. To get to where you can go out to bid is a months-long process in and of itself.”
 
The drawings that comprise the documents put out to be bid are the latest in many steps needing to be completed to have the building ready for opening. Along with site selection, geotechnical work, community relations and input, there has also been work with the City of Bridgeport as it relates to the utility issues involved.

“There’s more than just those things,” said Fratto. “There have been a whole lot of people putting in a whole lot of hours to get to this point.
 
The ultimate goal, Superintendent Dr. Mark Manchin has said multiple times, is to have the school ready for students by August of 2018. Right now, Fratto said things are nearly on schedule.
 
“We’ve done well, but we’re probably a few weeks behind from where we would like to be,” said Fratto. “I think those weeks can be made up.”
 
The next big step will take place April 19 at Johnson Elementary School. At 11 a.m. on that day, the Fratto said a mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held.
 
“What that means is that if you don’t attend the meeting, then you can’t bid on any part of the project,” said Fratto. “I think it’s critical when you look at a project of this size and importance that everyone has to be there. It protects the contractor and the owner, which is us and also the (School Building Authority) who has fronted public money in this. When everyone is there, there’s a clear understanding by all in attendance of what’s involved and what needs to be done.”
 
Fratto said all of the stakeholders will be there to answer and even perhaps ask questions of contractors. Some of those individuals include the architect, McKinley & Associates, Inc.; the construction manager McDonough Bolyard Peck and BOE officials.
 
There are seven items being bid out in the project, as well at six alternate items. Fratto said the project is a multiple prime contractor project, which means contractors have the option of bidding on individual items or they can bid on all as a simple prime contractor.
 
“I would think due to the logistics that having one contractor may result in the easiest route, but I’m not a contractor. Generally, we deal with one contractor so we’ll see how this goes,” said Fratto.
 
Bids will be accepted until May 3 at 1:30 p.m. At that time, they will be publicly opened and read. After that, a review of the bids will be done.
 
“This is a big step and I think everyone will know what we already know that this is moving ahead when they see dirt being moved; probably starting in June with the school activities are done,” said Fratto. “That’s when the hustle will be seen by everyone. Even though we want it done quickly, we also are confident that it can be done safely for our students and for those utilizing the athletic fields.”
 
Fratto reiterated what others have throughout the process. Once work begins, there will be traffic and other disruptions due to the work. School officials have worked with the City of Bridgeport to mitigate those issues as best as possible.
 
“There’s always congestion around schools and you’re looking at a huge campus of three schools in that area not just one,” said Fratto. “I’m hoping all that we’ve planned for will make this go as smoothly as possible.”
 
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Thom Worlledge of McKinley during a public meeting, while Anthony Fratto is shown in the middle. Bottom is a rendering of the new school.


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