Whitehall-Coplay School Board voted during a special meeting March 25 to reject all bids for the additions and renovations project for Whitehall High School.

The decision to reject the bids was based on recommendations by the Whitehall-Coplay School District administration and the WCSD project consultant.

The bids came in over budget by $5,141,107, according to WCSD Superintendent Dr. Lorie Hackett.

“This is largely due to a saturated construction market at this point,” Hackett said. “In addition, we had very low bidding competition.”

The high school renovation project, expected to take two years, included a new roof and heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, additional classroom space and an improved security entrance to the building.

Everything but the new roof will wait, Hackett said.

During the meeting, the board approved a motion to rebid the roofing construction for WHS, allowing district administration and the solicitor, along with project consultants, to take necessary measures to get the rebidding process underway immediately.

In other district construction news, the board approved change orders with JBM Mechanical Inc. and Ace Electric Inc. for work on the Whitehall-Coplay Middle School alterations project.

The school board will hold committee meetings 4 p.m. April 23 and May 28 regarding education/student activities, operations/transportation and finance/personnel.

The next school board meetings will be held 7 p.m. April 8 and May 13.