Extensive renovation work planned in the Rugby School District got off to a promising start last week when the bid for window replacement and electrical re-wiring at Ely Elementary came in well below the architect’s estimate.

At a special meeting on May 4, the school board accepted two bids totaling $388,450 – about $76,000 below the architect, Zerr Berg’s, last estimate.

“The board was really pleased with where the bids came in,’ said Jeff Lind, school superintendent. “It enables us to fund the project entirely using our one-time federal stimulus dollars.”

The low bid to replace all the exterior windows and replace the main doors on the east and west sides of the school was submitted by Northland Limited, of Fargo, at a cost of $104,950. Two other companies bid that part of the project.

The low bid to complete major electrical upgrades throughout the building was submitted by Electric Service Co, of Minot, at a cost of $283,500. Two others also bid that part of the project.

Lind said the work is scheduled to start shortly after the end of the school term and be completed in early August.

The board also met with Zerr Berg officials to discuss changes to some of the proposed new construction and renovation in the Jr.-Sr. High.

One of the changes to the designs was reducing the square footage of a planned new addition to the west of the present gymnasium commons area, Lind said. Also, rearranging where the administrative offices and reception area would be located in that new space.

Other changes include moving the art program from the detached trades building on the east side of the campus and into the existing cafeteria on the northwest corner and moving the weight-fitness room into a study hall room next to the current cafeteria. The new cafeteria would be located in the new addition.

A good part of the renovation work will be in the 1955 wing of the Jr.-Sr. High which includes several classrooms. Light remodeling is planned in the vocational agriculture, band and auditorium areas.

Lind said school staff will get one final opportunity to give input on the design layout before Zerr Berg completes a final detailed draft which could come to the board at its meeting this Tuesday evening, May 11.

The board also discussed with officials from Zerr Berg the planned $6 million zero interest general obligation bond issue referendum which will come before school district voters on June 8. Sixty percent approval is required for the funds to be approved and the project to move ahead.

If voters pass the bond issue, renovation work at the Jr.-Sr. High would likely not start until 2011.