The Parkland Board of School Directors approved a bid of $3,715,190 from Szoke Brothers for steel in the high school expansion project.

The cost came in $1,071,397 below the anticipated amount. The action was taken at the Nov. 18 meeting.

“We’re on our way to expanding our high school,” Board President Robert Cohen said.

Arthur Oakes, director of facilities and operations, said bids are out for the remainder of the high school project. They will be reported at the Jan. 20, 2026 board meeting.

Moving on to another item, the board approved a $1,449,693 agreement with the McClure Company for replacement of two 550 ton centrifugal chillers.

At an October committee meeting, Oakes explained the chillers in use now are original to the building which opened in 1999. He said the chillers were recently identified for replacement and observed they are at the end of their lives.

“In February, we plan on replacing the chillers in anticipation of the upcoming project. They are sized for the current capacity of the building and roof units will be installed for the addition,” Oakes said.

The next item up for approval was a transformer required for the high school addition at an anticipated cost of $136,685. The purchase is being made in advance due to the extended procurement lead time of 24 weeks.

Oakes said the contractor will deliver the transformer and store it until installation. The current transformer will remain in place until it stops working.

Oakes said the new unit was designed by engineers. “It’s filled with oil and as long as you do routine maintenance, it will last,” Oakes said.

Turning attention to the Ironton Elementary School, the board approved the purchase of a new steamer at a cost of $27,308 which will be paid by the food services fund. The current steamer is more than 30 years old and is inoperable.