By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Local residents can’t see earth moving for construction of a new Bowling Green High School – but on Tuesday evening district leaders described all the pieces moving into place prior to breaking ground.
The Board of Education voted to contract with Rudolph Libbe for construction manager-at-risk services for the new $72.8 million high school. Superintendent Ted Haselman explained that manager role entails overseeing all the sub contractors, and conducting the bidding processes on the district’s behalf.
“They will oversee the foundation up to the roof – and everything in between,” he said.
Haselman pointed out that four of the six members of the Rudolph Libbe team working on the project live in the Bowling Green City Schools District.
Board member Ryan Myers reported that he and fellow board member Norm Geer have been meeting with architects and designers on the finer details of the new high school.
“It’s been very fulfilling and rewarding,” Myers said. “It’s just such a great process to be a part of.”
“It’s pretty exciting,” Geer agreed.
The architectural team was in town last week to meet with high school staff, administration and board members on the more “tedious” parts of the building design, Haselman said.
Also visiting the district were officials from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, the superintendent reported. At the school board’s request, the OFCC has committed to paying 17% of the new high school construction expenses that the state is willing to fund. That state share is expected to be very close to $10 million.
Haselman said he is frequently asked by community members when the construction will begin. He explained the district is focused on getting it right – not rushed.
“It’s a long process,” he said. “We are planning to ensure best use of the funds and to make sure it serves us for several years to come.”
The one bit of work that is visible to local residents is the moving of the athletic practice field, which was between the high school parking lot and the football field, to a space north of the middle school, along Fairview Avenue.
The parking lot for the new high school will be constructed where the practice field was located.
