Sullivan Primary School Construction Project On Target

Sullivan School District expansion of the Sullivan Primary campus is well underway since the bid was awarded on Oct. 16 to Lawlor Corporation in the amount of $3,637,400. It will bring a number of improvements to the primary campus that will include the second grade education system being moved from the elementary campus to the primary campus, a new gymnasium and improved security and office facilities.

The completion date for the project is scheduled for July of this year, just in time for the 2018-19 school year.

According to Sullivan Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Thomas Allen, the project is progressing well despite some of the very cold weather that can impact early construction projects.

“Although the weather has not been cooperative, we have been fortunate to have some days above freezing to complete needed projects,” said Allen Friday morning from the Administration Building. “We are in good shape to meet our end construction date.”

Items completed or progressing on the project include: underground plumbing rough-in is complete and pressure tested, underground electrical floor box is complete, footings and foundations are complete, 70 percent of the concrete floor slab has been poured, windows at classrooms, affected by the new wing, have been in-filled, masonry wall has been built against existing primary school, new openings for the new corridor has been installed and steel has been delivered and erection is underway as of Jan. 25.

The project saw some 14 contractors expressing interest in the bids to construct the campus expansion with 11 contractors bidding on the project awarded in October to Lawlor Corporation.

“As a district we were very pleased with the bids process and the amount of contractors bidding on the project,” said Allen. “We feel we received a very good bid for the project and at this point we are very pleased with our contractor Lawlor Corporation and the architect Hoener Associates.”

Sullivan Primary Principal Cindy Carey reported Friday that things have gone very well at the Primary campus during the construction process thus far.

“With knowing that we were going to start construction this school year we began pickup and drop off locations in a different area and things have gone pretty smoothly,” said Carey. “We had a couple classrooms that we moved during the Christmas break and our staff has adjusted very well. We are all excited to see the building completed.”

Allen and Carey reported that Lawlor Corporation has been very dedicated to keeping them informed daily on construction progress and any items of concern that prompt additional student safety as construction proceeds.

School administration is very pleased to see the primary new additions coming and increased security measures at the campus that will also provide a safer environment for students.

These measures include visitors no longer walking along the playground areas to access the school office and facility while students may be outside playing.

“This project would not be happening if it were not for the no tax increase bond issue that was passed by our district voters last April,” said Dr. Allen.

As for other future projects, Allen stated once the second grade is moved there will be small scale project going on at Sullivan Elementary that will address more safety concerns with the front entrance and office areas.

Those projects are expected to begin during the summer months of 2018.