Philadelphia's School Reform Commission To Vote On Building Contract Extension
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A big contract extension to manage Philadelphia's school headquarters building is up for a vote this week at the School Reform Commission.
The job is being rebid over allegations reported by the Inquirer that a district procurement official tried to steer the headquarters management contract to a minority firm.
The current deal with the firm Elliott-Lewis runs out at the end of the month and on last week's agenda was a six-month, $1.2 million extension.
School Reform Commissioner Joe Dworetzky last week wondered, why so long? "Can you go over with me why in the world it would take six months in order to complete an RFP process and make an award?"
Jeff Cardwell, the district's senior vice president for facilities, said six months would allow time for more vendors to bid. But if the SRC wanted it done in four months, it would be done in four. The commission votes on Wednesday.
Reported By Mike DeNardo, KYW Newsradio.
