Oak Harbor School District taxpayers received some good news last week when the bid for the major portion of the high school remodeling job came in more than $3 million under budget. The overall cost of the project is now expected to be $46.6 million, down from the most recent estimate of $50 million. Earlier estimates were even higher.

This is a dramatic improvement over a few years ago when the Wildcat Memorial Stadium project cost more than was budgeted, resulting in cuts to what was promised. Something similar happened in Coupeville where its new high school cost more than was predicted, again requiring cuts in the project’s scope.

The good news in the most recent bid on Oak Harbor High School is due to a couple of factors. School officials did a better job of estimating costs and there were more contractors bidding for the work. The slowing economy helped in this case, as contractors weren’t so busy with commercial jobs that had no time to spare for a public school project.

As a result of the unexpectedly low bid, taxpayers will get more than expected for their money. School officials can add projects from their “wish list” of needed items to be ordered only if there was money available. These include bleachers, lockers and replacement of the roof on the field house.

Whenever taxpayers get more than expected for their money it’s good news. School district officials did a good job in helping to make it happen.