Volusia school board unanimously rejects bids for University High parent loop; staff will rebid

The Volusia County School Board voted unanimously Oct. 28 to reject all bids received for the parent pickup loop at University High School, saying the submitted proposals exceeded the district's budget by roughly 50 percent. Board members approved the motion so staff can revise the project scope and seek new bids.

District staff explained the need for a larger parent loop at University High because the current traffic pattern offers only one way in and one way out, and the bus loop is located behind the school. "The budget came in at 50% over budget. We're not comfortable with the bids that we received," district staff member Ms. Corr told the board as she explained the recommendation to cancel the current procurement and rebid after narrowing or adjusting the scope.

Board member Mr. Clunn moved to reject all bids for agenda item 11.02. Jesse Thompson seconded the motion. After brief discussion about attempts to make the project fit the budget and staff's plan to rebid, the chair called the question and the motion passed unanimously.

The board did not discuss specific vendors or the low bid figures on the record; staff said they would return with a revised scope and a rebidding schedule. No funding sources or revised cost estimates were provided at the meeting.

The decision followed a short procedural debate earlier in the meeting about pulling item 11.02 from the consent agenda to allow separate consideration. The board approved handling the item as a stand-alone matter before taking the vote to reject bids.