TVS approves bus facility project

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WEST ALEXANDRIA — The Twin Valley Schools Board of Education held its monthly meeting on Monday, April 24. The board reviewed for approval a contract for bidding the new bus facility project, a vote which was tabled during the Monday, March 20, meeting.

As listed in the agenda, “The Superintendent of the Twin Valley Community Local School District Board of Education (the board) recommends awarding the contract to Brumbaugh Construction, Inc., as the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder for the Bus Maintenance Facility Project, and requests authority to enter into such contract on the Board’s behalf.”

The agenda continued, “The district identified a need to perform improvements to their bus maintenance facility located at 100 Education Drive, West Alexandria, Ohio 45381. Sealed bids were received, opened, read aloud, and tabulated on March 20, 2023 and Brumbaugh’s bid of $1,392,000 for the base bid plus accepted allowances of $75,000 and accepted Alternate 1 of $8,000 was the apparent low bid.”

According to the meeting documents, “RDA Group Architects LLC tabulated the bids that were received for the project and upon review of the submittals received, recommended Brumbaugh as the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder for the project. After review of the bid submittal, bidder qualifications, and recommendation from the RDA, the superintendent recommends authorizing the execution of the contract with the lowest, responsive, and responsible bidder.”

Board member Jason DeLong opposed the project, having also initiated the vote to table the decision during the March 20 meeting.

“If Brumbaugh is awarded the bid tonight, I think they’ll do a great job. One of their partners is a friend of mine, I’ve known of the company a long time. If anybody needs to see their work and expertise, to get a visual you can see their handywork along I-70,” DeLong began.

“I have no doubt they’ll do a great job. I think you guys know I’ve been conflicted on this,” he continued. “Flaig Lumber has told multiple members of our administration, on multiple occasions, as recently as last Wednesday, that the building itself from the foundation up would be $380,000 to $450,000.”

According to DeLong, the expenses being budgeted by Brumbaugh are exceedingly high compared to their competitors, which will leave no funding provided by election-approved levies to further improve school grounds. DeLong expressed his belief that estimated expenses are not estimates, but actual costs.

“That is our bill. That’s our invoice,” he said.

DeLong also remarked it is his belief the board should be unified in a vote, even if Brumbaugh is not his preference.

Despite DeLong’s statement, all members of the board voted in favor of the bid, including DeLong.

In other business:

•The board accepted donations from St. John Evangelical in the amount of $350 for the Twin Valley South Lunch Fund, the West Alex Lions Club in the amount of $75 for the Senior Citizens Dinner, and the Carl Beneke Revocable Living Trust in the amount of $500 for the FY23 Alma R. Beneke Memorial Scholarship.

•The board approved Kara Brakhage as Director of Pupil Services and Preschool Principal for the 2023-2024 school year, pending background check and licensure as required.

•The board approved Brett Hershner as an Intervention Specialist for the 2023-2024 school year, pending background check and licensure as required.

•The board approved the resignation of Alison Roach, Intervention Specialist, at the end of the 2022-2023 contracted year.

•The board accepted the resignation of Doug Anderson, Bus Driver, effective April 17.

•The board accepted the resignation of Jennifer Eby, Food Service, effective May 12.

•The board accepted the resignation of Tearalee Frederick, Treasurer, effective at the end of the 2022-2023 contracted year. “I know I’m going to miss you and I appreciate the job you’ve done,” remarked DeLong.

The next board meeting will take place Thursday, May 18, at 5:30 p.m., due to the 2023 graduation taking place the following Monday.

Reach Nathan Hoskins at 937-683-4057.

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