A company from southeast Iowa has submitted the low bid on the addition and renovation of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Newton.  FRK Architects and Engineers of West Des Moines estimated the construction costs at $6.5 million. Newton School District Director of Business Services Tim Bloom says the low bid was significantly below that. 

“The low bid is Bi-State Contracting of Burlington Iowa. The base bid was $5,378,349. In addition to that, we had an alternative bid for lighting updates. Their bid of $114,399 was low on that as well.”

Nine contractors submitted quotes, with the highest bid just over $6million. The renovation involves 7,500 square feet, while the 5,200 square foot addition will add four classrooms. The school will stay open while the work is done. The Newton School Board will have a special meeting Monday night to approve the low bid. Emerson Hough Elementary school will also be expanded and renovated. Bids on that project will be coming in soon. Each school is being equipped to handle up to 500 students. Due to declining enrollment, the Newton School District is transitioning from four elementary buildings to two. Three are open this school year.