GIBBON — The Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop (GFW) School Board will consider a $57.3k fire pump-related change order request to the school building project from Kraus-Anderson (KA) Construction Co. on Monday.

According to a Sept. 23 letter to GFW Supt. Dr. Kelly Smith from KA Project Manager Brian Johnson, the request includes $28,650 for an electric fire pump, $5,750 to install it and $22,900 for a reduced voltage soft start controller and automatic power transfer switch, if required.

The letter read that the fire pump cost would be added to the project for adequate fire suppression to the building upon occupancy. A fire pump is required to be added to meet code-required water pressure.

Johnson added that the items have been reviewed by KA and Wold Architects & Engineers and are recommended for final change order issuance.

On April 11, 2023, GFW voters approved both questions of a two question building bond referendum.

Voters approved Question 1, by a vote of 1,356 to 675, to build a $55 million, centrally-located grade 7-12 school as a first step for transition to a centrally-located PreK-12 building.

Voters approved Question 2 by a vote of 1,345 to 680 to use an additional $14.9 million to build one centralized PreK-12 school, giving the school building bond project a $69.9 million price tag.

Referendum approval enabled the school district to hold a Nov. 7, 2023 election to revoke and replace the operating levy at a reduced rate due to the savings of operating a single facility.

By a Nov. 7 school district vote of 803 to 230, voters approved revoking the school district’s $1,406.30 per pupil levy and replacing it with a new authorization of 10-year, $992.40 per pupil, subject to inflationary increases.

New school amenities include elementary, middle and high school wings, a 400-seat performance center, one competition gym with three gym spaces plus outdoor athletic facilities on the east edge of Gibbon, just north of State Highway 19.

Site clearing and construction began this spring. School completion is planned for fall 2025.

Other board action items include approving the $6,678,023.47 proposed payable 2025 property tax levy, a 2.2% ($143,687.22) increase from the payable 2024 levy.

The proposed levy includes a 12.7% ($230,953.97) general fund increase, a 9% ($104,226.22) community services increase and a 2.1% ($95,836,48) debt service reduction. Final levy certification will occur in December after a Truth in Taxation hearing.

New GFW logos will also be considered.

KA/Wold Architects & Engineers will present a school facility work progress update.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23 at Gibbon Elementary School.