Plans to build a new Central Cove Preschool on USU-owned land in Vernal is another step closer to becoming a reality. During the Uintah School Board meeting on Wednesday, the Board voted 5 to 0 to enter into an agreement with Stout Building Contractors for the project. Stout and VCBO Architecture representatives were in attendance and explained why the maximum price for the project is $23.8 million dollars versus the initial estimate of $18 million to $22 million dollars. After noting the steps that were taken to cut costs, the board discussed and agreed that there are no other measures that can be taken to reduce the cost without jeopardizing the quality of the school building. Uintah School District shared in their announcement that “the building that houses Central Cove Preschool now does not meet the current or future needs of students and staff. It was constructed in 1940 and was not originally designed for use as a preschool. It has far outlived its expected lifespan and has a host of issues one would expect to find in an 83-year-old building.” The cost of the project is coming from money the District has in its capital reserves and discretionary funds. It’s anticipated ground will be broken on the new preschool in October.
