J.W.Walker tenders are in

Tenders for the renovation and expansion of J.W. Walker School are in, with the Rainy River District School Board expected to award the contract to Finnway Construction for $4,812,574 at its regular monthly meeting tonight.
The board received three bids for the project, with the highest being $5,378,000.
In February, the board approved the project at an expected cost of $4.6 million—more than $200,000 less than the lowest bid received.
The meeting, being held at Donald Young School in Emo starting at 7 p.m., also will see trustees consider the ratification of three separate collective agreements, including a two-year one with the local Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation.
The high school teachers ratified the deal Friday, with 90 percent voting in favour of it.
Tonight’s meeting also will feature three Recognition of Excellence awards, including the primary and secondary choirs from the Sturgeon Creek Alternative program, DYS teacher Kerri Tolen for receiving a writing award, and to Donald Young School for its “Balanced Day” program.
Trustees also will be asked tonight to vote a resolution from the policy committee to approve the budget process as well as one on harassment for stakeholder consultation.
The finance committee also will ask trustees to approve a resolution for the Crossroads rink project.
In 2001, the board signed a land use agreement at Crossroads School in Devlin.
Trustees will be asked to consider the Operations Agreement as well, which will see the municipality taking responsibility for maintenance and snow removal as well as sharing the utility costs with the school playground committee.
Also tonight, the board will hear EQAO results for Grade 10 students as well as discuss the success of Education Week activities that took place last week.
The board also will review a facilities renewal plan and hear from the Occupational Health and Safety, Special Education Advisory, and Strategic Direction Review Committees.