By choosing to delay the bidding process for the Renovations and Alterations to the Middle and High School Project until they saw evidence of change in the economic climate, the Gloversville Board of Education could end up saving the district nearly $2.7 million dollars as competition among contractors drove the prices down.

Sixty bids were collected for the project, originally approved by voters in February 2007, during an open bid on Nov. 20. They were reviewed by the district's architectural firm, CSArch, who made their recommendations to the board last night. "We are very comfortable recommending these companies as we have worked with each one of them in the past," said Scott Wolfe, CSArch representative.

The Board unanimously accepted the recommendations by CSArch with the largest bid for general construction being awarded to Bette & Cring, LLC from Latham for $4,852,000. The mechanical bid was awarded to Tri-Valley Plumbing and Heating, Inc., from Schenectady for $730,000. (Click here to see a complete list of companies awarded bids.)

Construction will begin on the project in the spring of 2010. During this final phase of construction, high school students will be using the gymnasium at the middle school and outdoor district facilities. The district will continue to make parents aware of any changes in scheduling and traffic patterns. The project is expected to be complete in the Fall of 2011, with occupancy possible by September 2011.