Middle School Project Nears Completion with 98% of Punch List Closed

The Walpole Public Schools School Building Committee convened on July 17, 2025, to discuss the progress of ongoing construction projects, particularly focusing on the completion of punch list items and paving work related to the new middle school.

The meeting began with an update on the status of the construction punch list. Currently, 3,208 items have been addressed, marking a 98% completion rate. Only 31 items are ready to close, while 17 require further work. Committee member Griffin provided details, noting that out of the 10 remaining building-related punch list items, five are inside the building, three of which are believed to be completed pending photographic verification. The remaining two items involve signage that is scheduled to be replaced next Tuesday.

Griffin also mentioned that the outside work is expected to be finalized by the end of the week, with landscaping and site guidance efforts underway. A question was raised about whether any punch list items would remain open after the school year begins. Griffin assured the committee that all building-related items should be resolved by next Tuesday, with the exception of additional lockers, which are anticipated to arrive by August 29.

The discussion then shifted to the paving work, which has faced delays. Committee member Nancy inquired about the timeline for the town's paving project, expressing concerns from the community regarding its progress. Patrick, another committee member, clarified that the paving contractor, Lynch, is managing multiple projects across the town, and while the middle school project is a priority, it is part of a broader summer paving contract. He expressed confidence that the paving would be completed before the school year starts, although it remains a matter of coordination with the engineering department.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the urgency of completing the remaining tasks to ensure a smooth transition for students returning to school. The committee plans to follow up on the progress of both the punch list items and the paving work in the coming weeks.