A new and revamped Lakeland Elementary School is one step closer to reality.

The Federal Way School Board passed a resolution June 8, awarding the construction contract to Jody Miller.

The low bid was $9.7 million for the base bid. Since it was lower than the budget allowed, several alternatives were added for a final cost of $10.5 million.

Every time the district goes out to bid on construction contracts, it creates a list of alternatives that could be cut if the bid is higher than expected. However, most of the time the bids are lower, especially in the current building climate, allowing the district to include the alternatives.

In the case of Lakeland, the alternatives include more Quadwalls, the semi-transparent walls that let in additional light and can be seen at many of the new schools in the district.

There are also several additions that will help with noise, which has been an issue at the other new elementary schools, Panther Lake and Valhalla.

In addition, the school will be getting sod rather than grass seed for the playfields.

Sod will be ready in time for children to play on it during the school year. With seed, it can take several months before students can play on the field without destroying it.

Construction will begin on the project at the end of June.

The district held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 3 at the construction site, 35675 32nd Ave. S., Auburn.