The school district requested bids to furnish Horace High School that came in just over $2 million, which the district had budgeted for after Heritage Middle School came in slightly under budget.
On Monday, April 26, Business Manager Levi Bachmeier asked the board to increase the high school's budget another $400,000 to meet rising bids and the increase in cost to furnish a high school instead of a middle school.
The additional $400,000 allotted to Horace High School would meet the furniture bids for a total of about $849,600 for just furnishing.
Building and Grounds Director Jeff Goebel said one reason furnishing costs are higher is that the district has been opting for more collaborative types of seating in classrooms and common spaces.
Board President Patti Stedman said Monday's increase in budget for the project was not the first for the Horace High School project, which is currently under construction.
"We've increased the budget two to three times," she said. "At what point do we need to look at other options?"
Bachmeier said another reason for the rising costs is the impact COVID-19 pandemic has had on the cost of building materials and furnishings.
Average construction material costs are projected to rise between 4 and 6 percent during 2021. Last year, supply and demand issues caused by the pandemic led to shortages of some supplies and record cost growth for some materials.
Some areas of construction at the high school are projected to cost more than they did at the middle school due to more advanced technology use, such as in the theater. For example, the Heritage Middle School theater cost about $100,000 to furnish, while the high school theater is estimated to cost about $350,000. Science room costs also increase at the high school level, from $16,000 at the middle school level to $20,000 at the high school. Robotics spaces will also increase from $35,000 to $47,000 at the high school level.
Bachmeier said although he is asking for the increase, he may not have to use it all if he can find cost savings in other places.
"We'd never spend the budget just because we have it," Bachmeier said. "In fairness, setting both schools at $2 million was probably a strategic error on our part."
The board unanimously agreed to add the $400,000 to the furnishing budget.
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COVID's impact on building costs creates increase for West Fargo Schools - INFORUM
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