Superintendent Dr. Austin and district contractors updated the Rockport-Fulton Independent School District board Thursday on progress at the district's Bond 2022 construction projects, saying work at Rockport Fulton High School and Fulton Elementary is advancing and that some final inspections remain.

The district's construction presenters reported that 70% of the high school contract value — $27.3 million of $39,240,000 — has been billed so far, and that the currently scheduled substantial completion date for the high school is February 2026. The presenters explained that “substantial completion” will be followed by demolition of older buildings, final paving and landscaping. Kathy Henderson, the district's chief financial officer, provided billing figures for Fulton Elementary, saying 94% of the authorized work has been billed (approximately $12.1 million of $12,870,000) and that Fulton is substantially complete.

Mike Nowotny, who leads the district maintenance and custodial crews, thanked staff and said the campuses “look great,” noting custodial teams worked around heavy construction. “Fulton looks great. High school looks great. All campuses look amazing,” Nowotny told the board.

Contractors described ongoing interior finishes at the high school: metal wall girts and panels, storefront window installation on the second floor with one opening remaining for material loading, wall tile installed in restrooms and fine-arts drywall and rockwork, millwork deliveries pending HVAC start-up, and staged activation of HVAC units expected to provide air conditioning imminently. Site work at the main entry drive and auditorium front entry paving were cited as continuing priorities; the presenters said front-entry fencing will be pulled back to improve traffic flow before students return.

Board members asked about certificates of occupancy (CO). The contractor said final fire inspection (“Firemark”) was scheduled and that Fulton has already passed certain inspections; the CO will be issued once the remaining inspector paperwork is processed.

The presenters warned that the district will start seeing large-ticket purchase requests to the board for items outside the construction contracts (furniture and specialty equipment) as move-in approaches. The contractors and district staff asked the board to expect those procurement items at upcoming meetings.

The board did not take separate action at this update; contractors and staff framed the presentation as informational and answered questions from trustees about timing and final inspections.