School approves new shop
Construction to be completed by end of summer
BY ALYSSA MEIER
Garrison Public School is set to get a new ag shop building this year after the district’s school board approved the roughly $800,000 project during a meeting last week.
Garrison School Board members reviewed bids for two potential projects at the high school March 10, evaluating whether to add on a new shop building, create a multipurpose serving and storage area for the school, or do a combination.
Trevor Huffaker of EngTech Engineers presented the project options and bids to the board, noting prices came in slightly higher than anticipated.
Low bids for the multipurpose space came in at $179,400, with the shop addition at $634,300. Both of the low bids were from Roers Construction.
With all architect fees, plumbing and heating, the total shop project was anticipated to be just under $800,000, a price tag superintendent Nick Klemisch said would largely be covered by incoming COVID relief funds and the building fund.
Klemisch said that he didn’t feel that it was feasible to purchase another building in town to use for wood and metal shop, especially considering continuing costs associated with the venture.
“By the time it’s all said and done, we’re going to need $100,000 to do what needs to be done, plus hire someone to answer phones and drive bus down there,” Klemisch said.
Klemisch went on to say that doing nothing wasn’t an option for him, as construction costs aren’t going to get lower and the school needs the room. By adding on the shop building, the school can accomplish the goals of both proposed projects, with some cost savings included.
