Prince Edward school board updated on elementary construction; kitchen renovation could use contingency funds

The Prince Edward County School Board received a quarterly construction update on its elementary school project and was told the project remains on schedule while staff consider using contingency funds to address aging kitchen equipment and flooring. The construction representative from English Construction told the board, “Right now, the project's on schedule again,” and said early bids show some supply‑chain pressure but no schedule impacts so far. The board discussed replacing dated kitchen equipment and retiling the work area; staff said initial pricing is being developed and a decision would depend on available contingency funds. Why it matters: Board members said kitchen reliability is a necessity for school food service and that major renovation work would need to be done during the last summer before the school's scheduled opening. If authorized, the work would require taking equipment out of service and would likely occur next summer. Board and staff details: Dr. Jones, Superintendent, and a construction representative described where the project stands and the next steps. Staff said change orders have been minimal — “the change order percentage right now, I think, is like at 3 tenths of a percent” — and explained the project contingency typically starts at about 10% of construction cost. A construction representative said, “we should have started somewhere in the 3 and a half to $3,800,000 range,” referring to the contingency amount tied to the construction budget. On scope and timing, staff said the kitchen work was not in the original project scope because of funding limits but that replacing equipment nearing the end of its service life could justify a broader renovation if funds remain. “If new equipment comes in and some of the services might need to be adjusted... it might make sense to go ahead and consider a more comprehensive renovation of the actual kitchen space,” the construction representative said. Next steps and timeline: Staff said English Construction will produce comprehensive cost proposals in the coming weeks. If the board authorizes the work, staff said it would need to be scheduled for the summer before the school’s opening (staff noted the school is scheduled to open in March 2027). The board asked for a macro review of the project budget and contingency later this fall. Context: Multiple board members praised the contractor and support staff for coordinating construction while school is in session and emphasized that furniture replacements could be purchased later through state contracts if preferred. The board did not take a final vote at the meeting; staff will return with cost estimates and a funding recommendation.