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Clinton Community School District (CCSD) plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our community by providing quality education and a nurturing environment for it students. With seven schools, 130 acres of grounds, and 12 buildings, CCSD is dedicated to maintaining and improving its facilities to ensure the best possible learning experience.  

Serving the Gateway area since 1926, Clinton Engineering (CEC) takes pride in our deep-rooted commitment to the local community. When the opportunity came to bid work for the school district, there was no question that we would throw our hats in the ring. We’ve been honored to complete several projects to support the District throughout the years. Most recently, the construction of the Bus Barn and Transportation Office, as well as building the foundation for two new playgrounds at Whittier and Bluff Elementary Schools.  

Recently we caught up with Paul Dotterweich to talk more about his experience working with Clinton Engineering. As the District’s Facility Director, Paul is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, grounds and public-bid projects.  

Full-Service Capabilities  

As a school district, fiscal responsibility and timely completion are vital components to a project’s success. As a general contractor with a broad range of in-house capabilities and a trusted list of subcontractors, CEC offers a full-service experience.  

“It’s nice to work with a one-stop-shop. CEC is very versatile and can manage all aspects of our larger projects…concrete, framing and finishes,” said Dotterweich. “We save a lot of time and streamline a lot of communication, simply by having all of our contacts under one roof.”    

The CCSD bus barn and transportation office was a multi-faceted project that included the construction of a pre-engineered wood frame building from Lester Building System, including all site prep, excavation, roadwork and finishes. The final product included a garage area large enough for four buses to receive regular maintenance, including one de-icing station. The office side of the building includes multiple work areas, a secure entryway and reception desk, a spacious breakroom, storage, and restrooms.  

Personalized Service and Expertise  

Clinton Engineering has 55 skilled team members with varying experience and expertise ranging everywhere from civil roadwork to fabrication and more.    

“On a bigger project, being able to work directly with Ryan (CEC President) made a big difference. He’s not afraid to get out on the site and get dirty,” said Dotterweich. “On the bus barn, he was very knowledgeable and helped us maneuver some changes we had regarding the underground sewers.”  

Dotterweich also explained how the local expertise helped to save money. “Once the bus barn bid was awarded, we had some changes that required us to tighten the budget. The CEC team used their creativity and value engineering to cut cost and still deliver a great end product.”  

A Local Touch 

More than fifty percent of Clinton Engineering’s employees live in Clinton County which is one of the reasons we’re passionate about putting quality work back into the communities we live, work and play.  

“Some of the staff at CEC have kids that go to school here. It’s nice having a local contractor that knows the district and has some stake in the game,” said Dotterweich.  

While onsite performing site grading and concrete work at Whittier Elementary School for their ADA-accessible playground, students would watch our crews and cheer us on. One even drew a picture and wrote a note to our team to show their appreciation which was hung in our job trailer for the remainder of the project.  

A Partnership That Goes Beyond Close Date 

When a project is finished, we remain available to our customers for questions, guidance and support. After all, we’re usually just a short drive away.  

“I’ve had several questions about how certain things work in the new bus barn, Ryan or Brian don’t hesitate to drop by and show me the ropes,” said Dotterweich. “We are a public entity and will always have to follow the formal bidding process, but if the opportunity comes again to work with the team at Clinton Engineering, I would be happy to do so.”  

To see more of the work we’ve done for Clinton Community School District, visit our Our Work page or Contact Us to discuss your next project.