January 7, 2025

The Lindbergh Schools Board of Education approved several items during the Dec. 19 regular meeting that will advance projects that are part of the Prop R 2024 no-tax-rate-increase bond issue.

Truman Middle School Renovations: Phase 1 of Prop R construction at Truman Middle School is set to begin this spring. On Dec. 19, the Board of Education authorized Lindbergh Schools to enter into a contract with BSI Constructors for the first phase of construction. BSI will serve as Construction Manager at Risk for the project, with a guaranteed maximum price of $5,091,500 for the first phase. This work is funded by 2024 Proposition R bond proceeds, and represents approximately 9.5% of the total project budget for Truman.

Phase 1 construction will begin this spring and continue through the summer. Projects include:

• Conversion of pool area and tile gym to create temporary classrooms

• Asbestos abatement in pool and tile gym areas

• Demolition and remodeling of student locker rooms

• Conversion of warehouse space on lower level to new classrooms

Security Film Installation: The board approved security film installation by Midwest Glass Tinting at all six elementary schools, both middle schools, Lindbergh Early Childhood Education West and the Support Service Center, at a cost not to exceed $486,381. Security film is a specialized product designed to keep students and staff safe. It is applied to facility windows to strengthen glass and improve resistance to breakage. 

Asbestos Abatement: The Board of Education authorized Lindbergh Schools to negotiate a contract with Environmental Operations, Inc., to perform asbestos abatement for the duration of Prop R 2024 construction projects on an as-needed basis. This firm is considered best qualified and capable of performing the desired services, following an RFQ process that aligns with board policy DJF-2 Competitive Purchasing. 

Prop R improvements include additions and interior renovations in buildings that were built before the 1989 EPA Toxic Substances Control Act was put into place. To keep students and staff safe, pre-construction and demolition surveys will be conducted at each building site, and any materials identified as Asbestos-Containing Materials will be removed or encapsulated.

Farmers Club: The Board of Education voted to select SSC Engineering to provide comprehensive mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering services for the Lindbergh Farmers Club project; and authorized district administrators to negotiate a contract for services. Four MEP firms submitted qualifications and were interviewed by a district committee. 

The Lindbergh Farmers Club will be a one-of-a-kind Agricultural STEM Learning Center for students in grades Pre-K through 12. It will connect students directly to career opportunities and innovation in the local St. Louis AgTech industry, and will provide place-based learning that focuses on agriculture, technology, ecology and sustainability.

Support Services Center Remodel: The Board of Education voted to approve Wachter, Inc.’s bid to remodel the Support Services Center, which is located at 9400 Watson Road. The project is a part of the Prop R 2024 bond issue, includes front office construction,, and remodeling the district’s cold/frozen storage and surplus material areas. Once these renovations are complete, all support services will be housed at this central location, including Food Service, Security, Community Ed and Rec, Printing and Publishing, Library Imaging, and Technology.

The district received nine submissions. Wachter, Inc., submitted the lowest and best bid, proposing a 181-day project timeline with a base bid of $2,242,224.