The Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Board of Education voted at their Wednesday evening board of education meeting not to move forward with Marker Inc. as the Construction Manager at Risk for the construction phase of the district’s building and renovation construction project.
At the conclusion of the preconstruction phase, the contract between Ohio Hi-Point and Marker provided for Marker to present a Guaranteed Maximum Price Proposal for the cost of the project. The presentation included terms that would increase certain risks to OHP and impair the ability of OHP to effectively manage project costs.
The contract allowed both parties to exit the contract before the construction phase, and OHP and Marker elected to part ways.
“Ohio Hi-Point’s priority has always been to safeguard the taxpayer funds entrusted to renovate the building,” said OHP Superintendent Dr. Rick Smith. “The board determined, in the best interest of the district, to transition the delivery method of the project from construction manager at risk to general contracting.”
The transition to general contracting can be achieved while keeping the project on track and on budget, Ohio Hi-Point officials said.
Randy Marker, CEO of Marker Construction, also said this week that the company has elected to not move forward with the construction phase of the project after a protracted design phase spanning over three years with multiple revisions.
“Unfortunately, our efforts to align the expectations of the school and their architect to help ensure a successful project were unsuccessful” said Randy Marker, CEO of Marker. “We will continue to partner with the school on their school-to-work and internship programs for the students, and wish the school nothing but the best.”
“Ohio Hi-Point has a long-standing relationship with Marker,” Dr. Smith said. “We appreciate their services provided and look forward to our continued partnership with Marker to offer students hands-on experiences through internships and our Work-Based Learning program. We wish Marker success in its future endeavors.”
During the meeting, the Board recognized Angela Kep, a Cosmetology senior from Ridgemont High School, and Christian Au, an Outdoor Careers senior from Marysville High School, as the September Students of the Month.
The board also approved the employment of Shennon Boyer (Anna), Cari Allison (Maplewood), and Rochelle Conrad (Harrod) as substitute teachers effective Sept. 24.
In other board action, members:
• heard the Legislative Report from Legislative Liaison Paul McMahill (Mechanicsburg);
• approved the August 2020 Financial Statement, interest and investments, appropriation modifications, transfers, and advances;
• approved the Budget Commission Report;
• adopted the Annual Appropriations for the period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021;
• approved the donation of miscellaneous assets from the Early Childhood Education program to Logan County Head Start and the disposition of multiple assets via sale on the Public Surplus online auction site;
• approved Salary Schedule Movement for approved staff members;
• approved the internship agreements with BKR Enterprises, Inc. (Huntsville), Born’s Tire Center (Kenton), and Meineke (Marysville);
• approved Tuition Reimbursement for an approved staff member;
• approved new employment contract for a staff member; and
• approved textbooks as presented.
The next board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28.