Photo Courtesy Of APS

Vista Peak Exploratory School is the first building finished on Aurora Public School’s P20 campus. The school, built by FCI Constructors and Adolfson & Peterson Construction, opened in August and will house preschool through ninth grade during its first year.

Jim Bittle: None. Although district-bonding capacity has been reduced due to reductions in property value assessments, the drop in the cost of construction has mitigated the impact on our program. At this point, we are optimistic that we will be able to complete the full program promised to our community in 2008.

MSC: How has the current bidding frenzy impacted projects in your district?

JB: We are saving money due to strong bidder interest. We are also aware that current market conditions are placing severe stress on many contractors. That means we need to take extra care in choosing the firms we invite to bid our projects.

MSC: On average how much are you saving on projects?

JB: Fifteen percent to 25% of the established construction contract award budget.

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

JB: Our preferred practice in the current market is to award to lowest responsive bid from a selected bidders list, usually consisting of five or six contractors. Contractors are selected based on relevant experience and qualifications. Successful past performance of district projects is considered but is not a prerequisite.

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

JB: Approximately $133 million of the $215 million authorization has been issued. The district anticipates issuing another $40 million later this year.

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

JB: The 2008 bond referendum funded a five-year construction program through 2013. There is no plan to propose a new bond issue in 2012.

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

JB: Projects currently under construction that will be complete in 2011 include a new high school, a middle school replacement, and a pre-school building. One elementary school will receive a new HVAC system in 2011. Contracts to remodel three elementary schools will be awarded late in 2011.

Aurora Public Schools Projects

(key district projects currently planned or under construction)

Aurora Hills Middle School
Architect: Slaterpaull/RB+B Architects JV
Contractor: JHL Constructors Inc.

South Middle School
s Architect: Eidos Architects
Contractor: Bosco Constructors

Meadowood Childhood Development Center
Architect: Larson & Incitti Architecture
Contractor: Golden Triangle Construction

Aurora Central High School
Architects: Belford Watkins Group,
Chistiansen Reese & Partners
Contractors: M.W. Golden Constructors, A&B Builders

APS Professional Learning
& Conference Center
Architect: Eidos Architects
Contractor: R.C. Heath Construction

P-8 Prototype School No. 1
Architect: Slaterpaull/RB+B Architects JV
Contractor: FCI Constructors Inc.

New High School (P20 Campus)
Architect: RTA/MOA JV
Contractor: Adolfson & Peterson
Construction