The title “Back to the Future” is somewhat symbolic as MSBO
gears up for a new effort in constructing an addition to their offices and remodeling existing facilities for the association’s instructional training and large group programs. Over a year ago, both MSBO and MASA identified space shortages in their business offices and in the large group presentation areas. The two professional groups approached the Michigan Education Leadership Group (MELG) to strategize an acceptable plan to modify and renovate the existing MELG facility. MELG is made up of the executive directors of Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) and Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP), as well as MSBO and MASA.
Unfortunately, by the time the design work was completed and the plan review processes conducted, spring (2007) had already sprung and bids for the project exceeded the projected budgets by over $200,000. This was unacceptable to both associations and decisions were made to hold any construction plans for the summer of 2008.
Strategies were developed to redirect efforts toward a new bid process and schedule it for December of 2007. The premise for this strategy is to enter the bid market at a more desirable time than previously conducted in late spring of 2007. Winter is the desirable time when contactors are lining up work for the next year and usually, bids are much more competitive. The goal will be to maximize this potential and reduce the added cost back down to the projected and approved budget parameters.
If the bids reach the approved financial thresholds, contracts will be awarded by early February and construction will commence in early spring 2008. The project will add a new west wing to the MSBO and MASA office, enlarging the existing large group presentation area. New levels of technology will also be integrated into the offices and presentation room. The work will be scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2008.
