Goodrich district bond extension moves forward

Goodrich-The school district’s bond project moved forward this week, with the selection of architectural and construction management firms and an electrical RFP.
Wolgast Construction of Saginaw was awarded the construction management contract, while Fanning-Howie of Novi was named as the choice for architectural firm.
Local company Shiflett, who currently work with the district, was selected as electrical RFP.
‘We’ve found them to be very loyal, very responsible, very quick,? said superintendent Kimberly Hart.
Hart said the next step in the process is having community meetings and getting community feedback and involvement, likely starting next month.
Linda DeCamp, business manager for Goodrich Area Schools, told The Citizen in July options are being explored to obtain a bond extension, netting the district between $15-$17 million for the purpose of renovations and construction.
The bond extension will not raise the current school millage, but rather lengthen the terms of the school bonds.
‘It’s an exciting time for us,? said Hart.If passed, the bond is ‘going to allow us to finish the high school,? Hart added.
DeCamp said without an extension, the current loan fund balance would be paid off in the 2012-2013 school year, with the current amount of the schools? five bonds for an approximate total of $37,186,000. With an extension, the loan fund balance would be repaid in the 2018-2019 school year, said DeCamp.
Area schools were opened to construction managers and architects to examine and submit price bids for the possible renovations in July.
Money from the bond issue would be primarily focused on the high school, which opened in 1964.
Desired building improvements to GHS include: four new classrooms; a new front entrance; renovated locker rooms and replacement of the roof at the middle section of the building.
Other possible renovations include: a new gym entrance at Reid Elementary School, new carpet throughout Oaktree Elementary School, and a new computer lab in Goodrich Middle School.