The Williamston Community Schools Board of Education on Tuesday approved multiple bond-funded construction and procurement actions, including a major addition at Explorer Elementary and several campus improvements.

Contracts were awarded to low bidders recommended by Christman Company to build a 39,667-square-foot addition at Explorer Elementary — 18 classrooms, a gymnasium, main office, bathrooms and support space — with a guaranteed contract cap not to exceed $18,141,377, to be paid from the district's 2024 bond. Christman staff told trustees the awards covered 17 work categories and that the district received roughly four bids per category; the project schedule aims for a spring 2026 start (weather permitting) and occupancy by Aug. 27, 2027.

The board also approved flooring replacement contracts for select classrooms and corridors at the middle and high schools, not to exceed $337,278, and awarded a contract to repave the high school’s south parking lots (including sidewalks and drainage tie-ins) for up to $549,000. Trustees heard that flooring bids averaged six vendors per category and came in under initial estimates, and that parking work will include milling to subgrade with new asphalt and minor drainage improvements.

Other approved purchases included two 2026 IC school buses from Midwest Transit at $142,587 each (total $285,174) from the capital projects fund; a Kubota F3750 tractor from Deer Creek Sales not to exceed $39,420 from the 2024 bond equipment account; and a new track/football stadium scoreboard from NEBCO for $82,719 with installation estimated at $40,000 (total not to exceed $124,000) from the Recreation Millage Fund. Trustees were told most work and equipment deliveries are scheduled for summer 2026 or earlier as appropriate.

In personnel business, the board granted tenure to Kyle Robinson, Kyle Sprague and Madeline Stewart and extended probationary status for Connor Langendyke from year three to year four; the changes are effective on each employee's hire-date anniversary. The board also authorized a conditional opt-in submission to preserve eligibility for 31AA funding — a state program tied to Public Act 15 of 2025 that would allocate competitive grants for school safety and student mental health — while reserving the district’s ability to rescind the opt-in if legal conditions tied to privilege waivers remain in place.

All motions for the bond projects and purchases were approved in recorded roll-call votes. Trustees were reminded by staff that some projects are being prioritized (larger shared spaces, cabinetry removal and MEP systems) and that cost-savings from favorable bids may be applied to later projects.

Next steps: Christman and district staff will finalize contracts and issue notices to proceed; construction and procurement timelines will be monitored at subsequent meetings.