Referendum construction on schedule; district reports 80% work complete and contingency planning for phase 3

District officials updated the board on referendum construction progress Sept. 8, reporting the program is substantially complete and on track for remaining turnovers. Justin Schultz (construction staff) said about 80% of the overall referendum work is complete; roughly 94% of project costs are committed and project teams are addressing punch‑list and commissioning tasks for middle schools and the second phase of elementary renovations.

Schultz described the summer’s construction push at O’Neil and Herrick middle schools and said completed rooms include new entrances, offices, cafeteria and fitness equipment, and library work. Elementary phase‑2 projects at Fairmount, Indian Trail, Lester and Kingsley are completed and in punch‑list; phase 3 design is nearly complete and bidding will be issued with bids due in October and awards expected in November for work planned next summer.

Administrators said Bullion Andrews and other contractors hold project contingencies and allowances and that the district expects to reconcile bids, alternates and furniture/technology allowances before awarding phase‑3 work. Schultz said some savings from phase‑2 are expected to be returned to the program but cautioned that alternates and change orders require careful “true up” between contractor pay applications and architect invoices. The presentation included a high‑level contingency projection; staff said they will present a refined reconciliation at the next board meeting.

Board members thanked facility and construction teams and asked for clarification on committed costs versus projected total. Administration said it will provide a clarified reconciliation of committed amounts, owner‑held contingencies and remaining allowances. No board action was required at the meeting.