With building plans in place getting bids from contractors hoping to land a $15 million job in East Brewton is the next step in the realization of a new W.S. Neal High School.

The Escambia County Board of Education met in a special session Thursday with architect Walter McKee who presented the finalized plans for the new campus construction and renovations to existing buildings on the school campus.

“We have had a final review with the faculty and are very close to releasing plans to contractors,” McKee said. “We are ready to pre-qualify contractors for the job.”

In a move by the board, a list of contractors already expressing interest in the job was approved as “pre-qualified” for the job.

“We are off to a good start with bidders who are qualified to build us a good school,” superintendent Randall Little said. “We are pleased with the efforts of Mr. McKee on this project.”

As the final presentation of plans was made, board members got a good look at the new construction planned as well as renovations to existing portions of the facility.

“This is a very exciting and compact 92,000 square foot facility,” McKee told the board. “We are looking at $12.3 million for the new construction and renovations will be $1.4 million.”

McKee also gave the board a look at other costs associated with the construction and renovation project including fees, testing and repairs to existing structures on the campus. The total cost for the project is estimated at $15,599,576.

Little said with the completion of the plans and pre-qualification of contractors, work could begin in August.

“After this approval today, we will be accepting bids from contractors and should open bids by the end of July,” Little said. “Once the bids are open, they will be presented to the board for approval. That approval could see contractors begin work, possibly by August.”

According to information in the presentation, the project will be completed in at least two phases.

Phase 1 of the project will see construction of the new buildings included in the plan as well as demolition of the out-dated structures on the campus. The phase will also include the creation of a new practice field as well as new parking lots and driveways for the school.

The cost for the plans included in Phase I is estimated at $12,301 which includes a $200,00 figure for demolition and $600,00 for the construction of practice field, parking lot and drives.

Phase II of the project will include the renovations planned at the school auditorium and field house for male and female athletes.

Costs for plans in Phase II total $1.355,014 which includes $523,688 for renovations to the existing auditorium; $97,750 for renovations to create a female athletic facility; &583,576 for renovations and improvements to the field house and weight room which includes renovating the old cafeteria for the project.

An additional $1,973,562 has been allotted to cover costs including the architect fee; testing, miscellaneous engineering, topo and soil reports; furniture purchases and a contingency figure to cover unexpected costs, McKee said.