Lodi Unified School District trustees on Tuesday will consider awarding construction contracts for two new schools at prices $4 million lower than original estimates.

The district received favorable bids for the southeast Lodi elementary school and Christa McAuliffe Middle School, said Bob Silvano, construction manager.

Richards Ranch, the southeast Lodi school, will cost about $8.9 million, compared to the initial estimate of $9.4 million.

Also on the agenda In other business, trustees will: Consider appointing members to the district's school naming committee from a pool of 24 candidates. Consider spending up to $120,000 to fund design plans and construct a rain shelter at Woodbridge Middle School for students during lunchtime. Hear reports on senior projects, block scheduling and the impact of the state budget's on district finances. The workshop, held in place of the regular meeting, begins at 6 p.m. at the district office, 1305 E. Vine St. in Lodi.

North Stockton's Christa McAuliffe Middle School had even greater savings in the bid process, receiving bids of $11.7 million for the project. The school was estimated to cost $15.9 million.

Silvano attributes the savings to a bid-friendly environment. "When work is scarce, prices go down and when work is plentiful, prices go up," he said.

The district plans to seek new bids for elevator installation work for both projects because of no bidders.

Flooring work for Richards Ranch and drywall and metal framing work for Christa McAuliffe will also be advertised for new bids, according to the district.

The single flooring bidder withdrew the bid after finding a substantial mistake. The district rejected the bid for drywall and metal framing because it was significantly higher than the architect's estimates for the work.

District officials are pleased by the lower-than-expected contracts.

"We couldn't be happier," Silvano said. "We want to get as much out there as possible while the environment is good."

The district is preparing to put two more schools to bid soon - Ansel Adams Elementary School in north Stockton and Millswood Middle School in Lodi.

Richards Ranch and Christa McAuliffe schools are expected to open in 2004.

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