First bid package finalized for new Williston elementary school

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - The first bid package for the new elementary school in Williston will go out this week.

Nick Lippert, the principal architect with JLG, said this bid will cover about 20% of the total cost, focusing on site construction, grading, foundation and precast.

Lippert said they split the project into two packages with the hopes of begining construction before the winter.

“It is going to be critical to try and get work done this fall so we can get a jump start on next spring, primarily around the site, getting that and the foundation in so we don’t have to race winter or wait for a really hard frost to come out of the ground in the spring,” said Lippert.

The 600-student building will be located at Williston Square on the corner of 16th Avenue West and 33rd Street West.

Lippert said the bids for the first package should be ready for board approval later next month, with construction starting in late September or early October.

The school is expected to be open for the 2026-27 school year.