Board rejects all bids for LaGrange Middle School construction; start slips to about November

What happened

On August 11, 2026 the board rejected every bid for the first phase of LaGrange Middle School construction (a new wing and renovations). The project team will rebid in early September, take bids in October, and ask the board to award a contract in late October or early November.

Why it matters to families

This is the first part of a roughly $180 million building plan voters approved in 2024. The delay pushes the start of building about three months later than planned. Students and families at the school will live with the schedule change.

The evidence

In the recorded meeting the superintendent and the construction manager said the lowest bidder withdrew, other bids drew thin competition on mechanical, electrical and plumbing work, and rebidding should get better prices. The district's capital project page says the same and says the Board rejected all bids at the August 11 meeting.

The source