SPRING HILL, Kan. (Oct. 28, 2025) — The Spring Hill Board of Education received encouraging financial news Monday night as district leaders announced that bids for the next phase of bond-funded construction came in significantly under budget, saving taxpayers an estimated $3.5 million on upcoming elementary school additions.
During the Oct. 27 meeting, Executive Director of Operations Marc Williams and representatives from Newkirk Novak Construction Partners presented bid results for the three projects, which total $9.7 million — well below the original $12.8 million estimate established during planning earlier this year.
“We’re thrilled to see this level of competition in the bidding process,” Williams said. “The participation across key trades — particularly steel and HVAC — resulted in extremely favorable pricing and helps us stretch our bond dollars even further.”
Project Manager Spencer Brown of Newkirk Novak said the bidding environment was highly competitive, with strong local subcontractor turnout and no significant cost escalation across materials. He emphasized that timing, coordination with district staff, and proactive pre-bid communication helped drive the savings.
The package includes a $300,000 allowance for an emergency responder radio enhancement system, a requirement for new school construction to ensure clear communication for first responders inside the facilities. Williams said the allowance was included to ensure compliance while providing flexibility as site testing continues.
Design and Planning Updates
In a companion report, Williams presented amendments to the DLR Group’s design contracts, updating costs and timelines to reflect the approved bid amounts and additional HVAC design scope. The amended contract total is $11.3 million, which encompasses architecture, mechanical, electrical, and structural work for the three schools.
The additions are designed to address continued enrollment growth and program space needs at the district’s elementary campuses. Each project will include new classrooms, support spaces, and updated mechanical systems aligned with the district’s long-term facility master plan.
Board members commended district staff and partners for the transparent bid process and diligence in managing costs. Member Doug Hull noted that competitive pricing is a positive reflection of community investment and market confidence following voter approval of Bond 2025 earlier this year.
“Seeing these bids come in under projection reinforces what we’ve been saying all along,” Hull said. “Our community made a smart investment, and our staff are delivering on that commitment.”
Next Steps and Timeline
Williams said the district remains on schedule for early 2026 groundbreaking and anticipates completion in time for the 2027–28 school year. Site preparation and permitting will begin once easements and contracts are finalized.
As part of ongoing transparency efforts, the district will continue providing monthly bond updates through the superintendent’s report and its Bond 2025 Implementation dashboard. Future updates will include project renderings, construction progress, and expenditure tracking as work advances.
“Every dollar we save here can be redirected toward future facility needs or contingency reserves,” Williams said. “It’s a testament to careful planning and the trust our community placed in us to deliver these projects responsibly.”