Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The low bid for the elementary projects—the final component of the Poplar Bluff R-I buildings plan—came in over a half-million dollars under budget, it was announced Thursday, March 17, during the school board meeting.

The Board of Education awarded a $1.5 million contract to Zoellner Construction to complete this summer the four renovations designed by Dille and Traxel Architects. Zoellner is responsible for building the Junior High safe room and classroom addition this past year, and the Perryville contractor is presently working on the 50,000 square-foot expansion of the future Middle School.

“This is the second time (Dille and Traxel) have come in under budget,” R-I Assistant Superintendent of Business Rod Priest said. “We are very proud of the way they designed these projects. They are producing a good product while remaining conscious of tax dollars.”

The following features are included in the elementary projects for purposes of increased safety and security:
•    The newest building at Eugene Field will be connected with a T-shaped corridor between the main facility and the library. The playground will be relocated behind the school so students no longer have to cross a city road for recess.

•    The two classroom buildings at Lake Road will be connected with an enclosed corridor. The opening of the new Middle School with grade four entering the configuration will allow the elementary school to abandon its trailers.

•    A front entrance at Oak Grove will be created off the loop road that was financed last summer through the Transportation Development District. Corridors will connect the buildings with ADA-accessible ramps allowing students to travel without having to go outside.

•    Four buildings at O’Neal will be connected with ADA corridors. The fourth grade wing will be remodeled for art and music classrooms, allowing for the converted basement currently in use to be vacated. A new HVAC unit will also be installed.

Shown in the photo: Several contractors attend a bid opening Tuesday, March 1, in the board room led by Project Manager Mike Pollard (left) of Dille and Traxel. Also pictured is Assistant Superintendent Rod Priest (middle) and Al Ursery, director of buildings and grounds.

The Poplar Bluff R-I Public School District is comprised of approximately 5,300 students, over 400 professional staff and 300 support staff, and has an operational budget in excess of $46 million. Our goal, in partnership with parents and community, is to educate all students to their potential, and to inspire them to be lifelong learners who possess the skills and knowledge necessary to be productive members in our changing world.

Submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Coordinator, Poplar Bluff R-I School District