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Board hears detailed construction update for new Halifax County High School; members press on drainage and occupancy timing
Summary
Project representative provided a room-by-room construction progress report and a tentative occupancy schedule; board members raised persistent ponding and drainage concerns at the new site and sought clarification on temporary and final certificates of occupancy.
The Halifax County Public Schools Board of Education heard a detailed construction progress report for the new Halifax County High School and discussed lingering drainage problems at the site.
Project manager Mr. Murasco, a staff member presenting the update, told the board that “permanent powers ... is installed and main switch gears energized,” that kitchen and culinary equipment are set and being finalized, and that auditorium lighting, acoustical clouds and stage rigging are being installed. He said work on interior finishes — sprinkler heads, duct grills, ceramic tile, LVT flooring and locker installation — is under way, and that the exterior glass curtain wall and metal panel siding are nearing completion. He also said elevators will begin installation later in the month and that the contractor has completed the loading dock and much of the permanent grading and sidewalks.
Board members pressed project staff on site drainage after repeated ponding following heavy rains. One board member who said he lives nearby described a depression on the front lawn that “when it rains, it’s a pond there,” and said people at a recent event had to walk or drive around standing water. Mr. Murasco responded that the condition could be due to a clogged inlet sock required by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and said staff would inspect and clean it if necessary.
Board members also sought timing for the building handover. Mr. Murasco said the contractor’s contract sets July 10 as the date for substantial completion, meaning the owner can use the building for its intended purpose and the division can seek a temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO). He said the contractor is contractually required to complete punch-list items by July 31, after which the final certificate of occupancy can be issued. “Substantial completion … is when the owner has the building and the building is able to be used for its intended purpose,” he said.
On site work and schedule impacts, Murasco said paving planned for spring break was delayed by rain and that the team expects to finish paving and striping after students are out for the summer. He reported owner-direct purchase savings and additional purchase orders needed for outdoor cafeteria furniture, moving services, abatement monitoring and demolition; he stated a savings figure of approximately $1,300,000 from owner direct purchases to date.
Why it matters: Board members said the drainage issue and the timing of occupancy affect safety, accessibility and the division’s readiness to move staff, students and equipment into the new facility.
The board directed staff to inspect the reported low spot and inlet and to continue oversight of the punch list and occupancy schedule. The meeting later recessed to a closed session to discuss specific legal and contract matters under Code of Virginia § 2.2-3711.
