The Newton School Board last night unanimously awarded the contract for the addition and renovation of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School to Bi-State Contracting of Burlington, Iowa. The company submitted the lowest of nine bids at $5,378,349. The school board also accepted an alternate bid from Bi-State for a lighting upgrade to the school at a cost of $114,399.  That makes the total construction cost just shy of $5.5 million.

FRK Architects and Engineers of West Des Moines estimated the construction costs at 6.5-million dollars. Rachelle Hines of FRK says they are already working with Bi-State Contracting on two other projects in southeast Iowa, and use local contractors as much as possible.

“We are currently working with them on two projects right now in Ottumwa and Centerville. They are doing a really nice job on those. They typically use local contractors because you get better bids from them anyhow. I know there are a couple they are looking at right now.”

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. Emerson Hough Elementary 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.