WINONA Minn. – A multi-million plan to improve air quality at Jefferson and Washington-Kosciusko grade schools is on hold. Bids have come in for way more —  way more — than the $16 million that the School Board aside for the work. The bids:

> Wieser Brothers, of LaCrescent, $23.7 million.

a. Fowler & Hammer, of LaCrossem,21.7 million.

> Market & Johnson, of Eau Claire, 21.5 million.

> Brennan Construction, of Mankato, but for only Jefferson School, $12.4 million.

Paul Apilkowski, project manager Wold Architects, blamed skyrocketing labor and material costs. He told the School Board that he has had similar setbacks for other clients in recent weeks. The Board voted to reject the bids and regroup to chart a new course, Meanwhile, Washington-Kosciusko, built in 1934, and Jefferson School, built in 1937, remain with antiquated heating and ventilation systems and no cooling systems.

Earlier: Final approval: $16 million for school air upgrades

Earlier: Two schools to be retrofitted for air quality

Jefferson School. 1268 West Fifth Street.

Washington-Kosciusko. 365 Mankato Avenue.

Apilkowski. Bids 60% out of range.