The Mahomet-Seymour Community Unit School District No. 3 Board of Education approved a contract with BLDD Architects, Inc. to design and oversee the construction of a new secured entry at Mahomet-Seymour Junior High (MSJH) on Feb. 3.

The project aims to create a more controlled access point to the building with approximately 1,100 square feet, creating a new secured entry and reception suite. Modifications to the existing building will also be made to integrate the new addition. Renovations to the existing office suite or other areas are not included in the scope of this project.

According to the agreement, BLDD Architects will provide comprehensive architectural services, including the usual and customary structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering services. Civil engineering services will be provided as supplemental services. The district has allocated a total construction budget of $845,000 for the project, with the overall project cost estimated at $944,320, encompassing construction, bidding and construction contingencies, and architectural fees.

The Board of Education is expected to review the bid documents on March 24.

The project is scheduled to be completed before the start of the 2025-2026 school year in August. The timeline includes:

• Construction Documents Complete: February 14, 2025
• Issue Bid Documents: February 17, 2025
• Pre-Bid Meeting: February 27, 2025
• Bid Opening: March 18, 2025
• BOE Approval: March 24, 2025
• Construction Commencement: June 2025

If the board approves a construction bid, the secured entry project is expected to be completed before the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Regardless of whether a bid is approved, BLDD Architects will be compensated for the Construction Documents Phase, amounting to 75% of their basic services fee, or $70,740. BLDD is expected to receive $2,829.60 for the bidding phase of the process and $20,750.40 for the construction phase.

In addition to basic services, BLDD may be entitled to additional compensation. If the project proceeds to construction and BLDD provides services that exceed the basic services limits, such as more than three site visits or change orders requiring evaluation of contractor proposals, they would be compensated for those additional services. In short, BLDD will be paid for all architectural work completed up to the point where the project stops, even if the construction bids are not approved.

A similar discussion happened in Oct. 2019 when the district began to approach secured entries at Mahomet-Seymour High School and Lincoln Trail Elementary. At that time, BLDD representative Damien Schlitt said the junior high school was “not going to be online for long.” A cost analysis or project scope of what that entrance would entail was not provided to the public at that time.

Mahomet-Seymour School District to Lease Two Portable Classrooms at MSJH

The Mahomet-Seymour Board of Education will also discuss a lease agreement for two portable classrooms at Mahomet-Seymour Junior High School (MSJH) at the upcoming Board of Education meeting on February 18, 2025.

The proposed lease agreement with Mobile Modular Management Corporation includes the lease of two 24×70 MW modular classrooms. The 36-month lease also includes the rental of a ramp to ensure accessibility.

The total charges per month, including rent and other expenses, are estimated at $3,770. Charges upon delivery are estimated at $61,770, and charges upon return are estimated at $34,978. The estimated initial invoice amounts to $65,010.

The agreement also outlines responsibilities for site preparation, utilities, and other related services. The school district will be responsible for ensuring a flat and accessible location for the buildings, as well as managing electrical and plumbing connections, permits, concrete work, and landscaping.