INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — In a matter of three votes, the Indian River County School Board cleared the way for a new administration complex and health clinic totaling $7.45 million.
The Board voted unanimously to approve the two recommendations pertaining to the administration complex, which would be built near the new Support Services Complex in the area of Storm Grove Middle School.
The Board voted 4-1 to approve purchasing a new portable classroom building – commonly referred to as a “concreteable” – instead of fully rehabilitating and renovating an existing concretable located at the Transportation complex on 41st Street, west of 43rd Avenue. Board member Matt McCain, who has consistently voted against the health clinic, voted against the new concretable purchase. He did not address the reasons for his vote.
The budget for the new administration complex is just under $7.3 million and will consist of a 33,800-square-foot building.
In a separate vote, the School Board approved hiring Pirtle Construction – with Pinnacle Construction – to build the new complex.
Pinnacle Construction owner Pete Clements approached the Board prior to the vote, thanking the School District for the opportunity to perform the work and for the thoroughness of the selection process.
School Board members did not discuss the two votes regarding the administration complex. At previous meetings, the members have pointed to concerns about the current complex’s “health” and security.
As for the health clinic, School District staff determined more renovations and rehabilitative work would need be done on the existing concretable than first anticipated, which would cost more than purchasing a new pre-fabricated “turnkey” building.
Staff told the Board it would cost about $135,000 to fix up the existing building for the clinic’s purposes. A new building would cost $130,000.
Staff also recommended that the existing building be minimally improved – at a cost of $25,000 – to provide training space for health professionals and other future uses.
“Here we go,” said School Board member Karen Disney-Brombach. “We’re embarking on this journey.”
She encouraged School District employees to participate in the clinic because it won’t be successful without their participation.
All costs related to the health clinic are being borne by the School District’s health insurance program, funded through employee premiums.
