The Baldwin-Whitehall School District moved forward on the McAnulty Elementary renovation after receiving and reviewing multiple trade bids. Administration told the board the construction package included five trade categories (general construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and technology) and that recent testing identified asbestos in some floor tile and mastic in older parts of the building; additional tests of chalkboard adhesive in selected locations showed those samples did not contain asbestos.
Administrators said the last time the project was discussed, the general construction portion was estimated in the $12–13 million range; however, the combined bids came in just under $10 million. District staff described plans to re-scope or procure some items directly (for example, whiteboards or tack boards) to reduce markup costs on contractor-supplied specialty items and to lower overall contract spend.
The board adopted a resolution to award the listed alteration contracts for the Macklin/McAnulty Elementary project per the agenda (contracts 1–6) and approved a balancing allowance to WAE in the amount of $49,800. The motion to award the contracts was moved, seconded and carried; the transcript records the vote result as "motion passes 7 with 0 and 2 abstentions." The administration said bidders included firms that had previously worked in the district and a lower bid from Waller (out of Washington) that was deemed substantively acceptable.
Superintendent and operations staff emphasized they communicated with affected teachers about work in their rooms and said certified testing showed no risk where removal or disturbance was not planned. The board directed staff to continue coordination with contractors and to bring forward administrative regulations and further procurement details as the project moves toward construction.