District facilities staff updated the Board of Education on Aug. 12 about ongoing construction and change orders for the high school and other buildings, saying classrooms will be functional for the start of the school year though some work will continue into the fall.

Miss McAllister, who presented the facilities report, said several large change orders were added after contract award and that some were due to discovered conditions. “One of the big ones being the steel that was needed at the, F1 windows. That is the big number 1 that you see there. That one is getting done right now,” she said. She also cited additional abatement and design adjustments that produced credits and charges.

Staff described the start‑of‑year expectations: many classrooms will be usable but may include temporary walls that reduce usable classroom footprint to approximately 85% while work continues; contractors will occasionally move classes into the library or alternate spaces for two‑week periods to allow mechanical or window work. The district said windows and stage work are progressing; concession and pressbox areas are nearly complete.

A timeline given in the meeting: staff said they expect most classrooms to be open for the start of the year, with phased completion continuing through September and final punch‑list work into November; the district aims to complete project elements by end of year to meet state‑aid requirements. The board will conduct site walkthroughs next week, and staff proposed a ribbon cutting on Hall of Fame night, Oct. 3.

Change‑order reporting: staff told the board that under a May resolution the administration can execute certain change orders and then report them back to the board; additional H1C change orders will be brought forward for reporting as they are finalized.

Why it matters: the schedule affects where students and staff will begin classes, whether temporary walls or alternative room assignments will be used, and how the district will communicate access and safety during an active construction period.