Cape school board moves forward on improvements in the district

The Cape Girardeau School Board on Monday approved bids for improvements to Cape Girardeau Central Middle School and Blanchard Elementary School.

With those bids approved, 97 percent of the improvements designated as part of the $40 million voter-approved bond issue are bid out, in progress or completed, said John Heidbreder, a consultant with McCarthy Building Cos., who is managing projects for the district.

The middle school will receive renovations and a new breezeway to connect the main building to the gym. Blanchard Elementary will receive renovations to the entryway and installation of another set of interior doors to enhance security.

The district will receive bids on the final project in January: the demolition of the old Franklin school, which will be torn down in the summer of 2012. Students will move into the new $10 million Franklin Elementary at the start of the 2011-2012 school year.

For the middle school breezeway, the district received three bids for general construction. Brockmiller Construction Co., of Farmington, Mo., will be awarded the bid of $599,000. Two bids were submitted for plumbing and HVAC systems. Associated Sheet Metal Inc., of Jackson, will perform that work for $123,000. Two bids were also received for electrical work. Schneider Electric of St. Louis will be awarded the contract for $122,000. All awards were given to the lowest bidder.

The cost to perform the work to add extra security at Blanchard Elementary is $29,000, and Brockmiller Construction will be the contractor. The board also voted to accept the district's 2010-2011 audit, prepared by Stanley, Dirnberger, Hopper and Associates. There were no significant detrimental findings in the audit.

Other action

The board postponed a vote on the district's professional development plan for the 2011-2012 school year. During discussion before a vote, board member Paul Nenninger said the board had not been able to review the plan fully before making a decision. The board will vote on the plan during its next meeting Dec. 19.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

301 N. Clark Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO