Board approves Prop S resolution to address escalating construction costs

Board approves Prop S resolution to address escalating construction costs
Posted on 04/27/2022
Prop S resolutionThe project list for Prop S was originally created in 2020 based on the recommendations of the district’s Facilities Steering Committee. In 2020, district estimates indicated that these projects could be completed for $32 million. The district asked voters for a bond issue in the amount of $35 million to provide a financial cushion for unexpected expenses and inflation.

Mehlville School District was able to sell $35 million in bonds at a premium, netting an additional $2.7 million (that will not need to be paid back). However, due to rapidly escalating construction costs and supply chain delays, $37.7 million does not appear to be enough to complete all of the Prop S projects.

On April 14, 2022, the Mehlville Board of Education approved a Prop S resolution to address escalating construction costs. The resolution authorizes the district to use other funding sources, including federal COVID relief funds (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief—ESSER), to pay for some Prop S projects. The resolution also identifies projects that can be delayed or eliminated from Prop S and authorizes the district to seek construction management services for some Prop S projects. See the April Board of Education resolution.

Mehlville School District engaged the community in March and April 2022 to reprioritize Prop S projects. This feedback from parents, staff and community members forms the basis for this resolution.

Later this spring, several Prop S projects will begin, including a new security entrance and bathroom renovations at Oakville High School, parking lot improvements at Oakville Elementary School, HVAC replacement at Beasley and Rogers Elementary, and a partial roof replacement at Washington Middle School. The Board of Education will consider bids later this month on a security entrance for Blades Elementary School.

See the latest Prop S Progress Report.

The Mehlville School District strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and other characteristics protected by law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: contact Adam Smith at 314-467-5006 or [email protected].