Okemos board hears progress report on 2022 bond projects, Chippewa Middle School work on schedule

Okemos Public Schools trustees received a construction update on work funded by the district’s 2022 bond, including progress at Chippewa Middle School, pool repairs at Okemos High School and installation of above‑ground fuel tanks at the transportation facility.

The presentation was made by district staff and owner’s representatives from Tower Pinkster and the Christman Company. Superintendent John Hood introduced the group and said the update would cover “bid package 3 and 4” and the above‑ground fuel storage tank at the transportation building.

The board was shown site plans and photographs of in‑progress work at Chippewa. Ed Talaga of Tower Pinkster and Christman representatives described structural and interior work: gym walls, trusses and roof “dried in,” a new cafeteria foundation, construction of a new competition gym and weight room, and foundations for a new auditorium. Pool work delayed into bid package 4 is underway; contractors are painting and repairing trusses and installing a new dehumidification “pool pack” and associated ductwork and plumbing.

District and contractor presenters told trustees the project schedule remains intact. When Trustee Phelps asked whether the district is still on track for students to occupy the new Chippewa building in “fall of ’26,” a Christman representative replied, “Yes. We are doing well on schedule.” When asked about budget status, the presenter said, “Yes. We are on budget. We’re we’re tracking good.” Superintendent Hood praised the bond team and owners’ reps for tracking budget and scope amid volatile costs.

At the transportation facility the board saw a recently poured pad for the above‑ground storage tanks; presenters said permitting had been completed and that the two tanks were scheduled for installation “by the end of this month.” The board was told permitting for the tank required a detailed process and that communications materials — including time‑lapse photography of work at Chippewa — are available on the district’s bond program website.

Trustees were given a schedule of expected follow‑ups: a June bond overview for all projects and budgets, an August construction update and the next Cornell design phase, and an October board walkthrough at Chippewa with an update on the high school music facilities (bid package 8).

The update was presented for information; no formal board action was taken at the meeting. Trustees praised the work and asked staff to follow up on logistics such as temporary bus routes while students are relocated during construction.