APS discusses budget revisions for Miller South School's $76M construction costs

The Joint Board of Review Meeting held on June 6, 2025, focused on the financial aspects of the new Pfeiffer and Miller site, specifically the Miller South School project. The meeting began with a query regarding the estimated costs associated with the construction of the new school facility.

Dr. Thompson provided an overview of the project's financial history, noting that three years prior, the estimated cost was $63 million. This initial budget was to be funded through a combination of $40 million in Certificates of Participation (COPS), $15 million in ESSER funds, and an anticipated $8 million from Local Funding Initiative (LFI) dollars. COPS are essentially low-interest loans that the city has been utilizing for this project.

However, Dr. Thompson reported that new architectural assessments have increased the estimated cost to $76 million. The current financial status includes $42 million in COPS and the previously mentioned $15 million in ESSER funds. The discussion highlighted a potential shortfall of $1 to $2 million, contingent on the availability of LFI funds. Dr. Thompson expressed confidence that this shortfall could be addressed through redesign efforts.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for further questions, indicating ongoing discussions about the project's financial planning and potential adjustments to meet the new budgetary requirements. The next steps will likely involve continued evaluation of funding sources and project design to ensure the successful completion of the Miller South School.