Board approves Pangier Corporation elevator and staircase bid for East Chicago Central gym entrance

The School City of East Chicago board approved a contract award on Aug. 26 for an elevator and staircase restoration at East Chicago Central High School’s gym entrance. The board voted to award the contract for the elevator and related staircase work to Pangier Corporation; the district read the awarded bid amount into the public record during the meeting as required by state law. At the meeting the executive director of business operations read the awarded amount for the Pangier Corporation proposal as $1,444,000. Trustees voted on the motion (moved and seconded during the meeting) and the roll call recorded "yes" votes from Trustees Gomez, Smith, Rodriguez, Taylor and President Gibson King; the motion carried. The district clarified the board was voting only on the elevator/staircase award at this time and that a separate $2,382,719 package (referring to broader gymnasium entrance improvements) was not part of the current approval. Trustees asked about post-installation service and maintenance arrangements. District staff said the public bid covered equipment and installation; ongoing service and maintenance agreements would be addressed separately. The board approved the award at the Aug. 26 regular meeting; staff will return with contract documents and any planned service agreements for the record.