GFW board considers $57,000 project amendment | News, Sports, Jobs

GIBBON — The Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop (GFW) School Board will consider a $57.3 million purchase order modification request related to the school construction project’s fire pump from Kraus-Anderson (KA) Construction Co. on Monday.

According to a Sept. 23 letter to GFW Superintendent Dr. Kelly Smith from KA project manager Brian Johnson, the request includes $28,650 for an electric fire pump, $5,750 to install it and $22,900 for a reduced-voltage soft-start controller and automatic power transfer switch, if needed.

The letter stated that the cost of the fire pump would be added to the project to ensure adequate fire suppression in the building during occupancy. A fire pump must be added to meet the water pressure required by code.

Johnson added that the items have been reviewed by KA and Wold Architects & Engineers and are recommended for issuance of a final change order.

On April 11, 2023, GFW voters approved both questions in a construction bond referendum.

Voters approved Question 1, 1,356 to 675, to build a $55 million, centrally located, grades 7-12 school as a first step in transitioning to a centrally located K-12 building.

Voters approved Question 2 by a vote of 1,345 to 680 to use an additional $14.9 million to build a centralized K-12 school, giving the school construction bond project a price tag of $69.9 million.

The referendum approval allowed the school district to hold an election on November 7, 2023, to repeal and replace the operating tax at a reduced rate due to the cost savings of operating a single facility.

In a Nov. 7 school district vote of 803 to 230, voters approved repealing the school district’s $1,406.30 per-pupil tax and replacing it with a new 10-year authorization of $992.40 per pupil, subject to inflationary increases.

The new school facilities include elementary, middle and high school wings, a 400-seat performance center, a competition gymnasium with three gymnastics spaces and outdoor sports facilities east of Gibbon, just north of State Highway 19.

Site clearing and construction began this spring. The school is scheduled for completion in fall 2025.

Other actions to be taken by council include approving the proposed 2025 property tax levy of $6,678,023.47, an increase of 2.2% ($143,687.22) over the levy payable in 2024.

The proposed levy includes a 12.7% ($230,953.97) increase in the general fund, a 9% ($104,226.22) increase in community services and a 2.1% ($95,836.48) reduction in debt service. Final certification of the levy will take place in December following a Truth in Taxation hearing.

New GFW logos will also be considered.

KA/Wold Architects & Engineers will provide an update on the progress of the school facilities.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. on Monday, September 23 at Gibbon Elementary School.