District approves first construction contract for new Muldown school

The Whitefish School Board approved a general conditions and cost of work contract with Martel Construction to begin the first phase of construction on the new Muldown Elementary School.

The contract with Martel is for about $1.4 million and will cover the construction of the bus loop, all sidewalks, fencing and prep work on the grounds for when construction of the school itself begins later in the year.

The board approved the contract during its July 10 meeting, and groundbreaking on the project took place July 16.

This first phase of construction is expected to be done by the start of the school year in the fall, Dow Powell, owner’s representative for the district said.

Voters in October approved a $26.5 million levy request by the district to build the new school. The existing school faces issues like overcrowding and a failing infrastructure.

Powell said the project will likely be split into three or four total phases, with more contracts with Martel coming at later dates.