MCDONALD SCHOOLS Bids to remove boiler are below estimate

Work will begin before the end of May at the high school.
By MARY SMITH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
McDONALD -- Bids have come in $320,432 under estimates for a high school boiler removal project.
The board of education awarded contracts Thursday totaling $512,460 to remove two boilers and switch-gear, and for asbestos removal.
The work is part of an overall $7.9 million high school renovation project funded largely by an Ohio School Facilities Commission grant.
The state is kicking in $14.5 million of a $16.5 million facilities project in which Roosevelt Elementary School will be demolished and a new elementary built.
District treasurer Thomas Radabaugh said the estimate for the high school job was $832,892.
Radabaugh said that work will start before the end of May and the project will move into full swing when summer recess begins June 5.
Contracts awarded Thursday included: Prout Boiler, Heating & amp; Welding Inc., Youngstown, for boiler removal, $71,200; S.M. Electric Co., Austintown, boiler switch-gear, $67,660.
Later, the board will replace the water heating system.
The asbestos abatement will cost a base $278,800 with some $94,800 in possible alternatives.
Bids will be opened Tuesday for site work for the new elementary, expected to cost $7.5 million.
Incentive to retire: The board approved extending for three more years an early retirement incentive program for teachers with 30 years' experience.
The program will be offered until the 2004-05 school year and is limited to 10 percent of the staff. Resignations must be tendered by Nov. 24 and be effective no later than June 30 of the following calendar year.
Cash incentives of $20,000 per retiree will be given.