Photo Courtesy of Hogan Construction

The new 223,000-sq-ft Orem High School is part of Alpine School District’s $250-million bond passed by voters in 2006. It replaces the original Orem High School built in 1956.

Rob Smith: Zero. The board has kept its commitments to taxpayers by completing all bond projects. However, routine capital projects that include replacing tiles on floors, bathroom renovations, asphalt replacement, etc., have been delayed.

MSC: How has the current bidding frenzy impacted projects in your district? On average, how much are you saving on projects?

RS: Construction costs are down 20% or about $35 per sq ft.

MSC: Are projects being won solely by low bid or do existing relationships with contractors and other factors figure strongly in your project awards?

RS: Alpine School District has a pre-approved grouping of contractors for large jobs ($15 million and up), medium jobs ($5 million to 10 million), and small jobs (under $5 million).

We then take an extra step and bid each project, taking into consideration price, timeline, personnel and other factors.

MSC: What is the status of the district’s current bond issue?

RS: We started the final three projects approved by voters in the 2006 bond in July. All other projects are complete or currently under construction.

MSC: Does your district have a need or plan to propose future bond issues in the 2012 election?

RS: The Board of Education is currently evaluating its five-year capital improvement plan and will determine when the next bond campaign will be launched.

MSC: What construction plans does the district have for 2011 (projects that will complete or break ground)?

RS: We will complete two new elementary schools in Saratoga Springs, one special needs school and addition projects at Meadow Elementary, Greenwood Elementary and American Fork JRHS in 2011.

We will break ground on two gymnasium additions and one cafeteria expansion that began design in July and will be completed in 2011.

Alpine School District

(key projects currently planned or under construction)

Orem High School
Architect: Naylor, Wentworth Architects
Contractor: Hogan Construction

Vista Heights Middle School
Architect: VCBO Architects
Contractor: Hogan Construction

Mountain Trails Elementary
Architect: Sandstrom Architects
Contractor: Bud Mahas Construction

Traverse Mountain Elementary
Architect: VCBO Architects
Contractor: Hogan Construction

American Fork JRHS
Architect: Sandstrom Architects
Contractor: Hales and Warner Construction

Sego Lily Elementary
Architect: SL&A Architects
Contractor: Peck Ormsby Construction

Meadow Elementary
Architect: KMA Architects
Contractor: Westland Construction

Greenwood Elementary
Architect: SL&A Architects
Contractor: Westland Construction

New Saratoga Springs Elementary-South
Architect: South-Sandstrom Architects
Contractor: Hogan Construction

New Saratoga Special Needs School
Architect: Sandstrom Architects
Contractor: Hogan Construction

New Saratoga Springs Elementary-North
Architects: VCBO Architects
Contractor: Hogan construction