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Foster School construction remains on schedule and on budget, district reports
Summary
District staff told the board Foster School construction has reached major milestones — exterior walls and steel are in place — and remains on schedule and within budget; staff noted most major steel orders were placed before tariff concerns intensified.
District 65 reported progress on the Foster School construction project at the April 7 Committee of the Whole. District staff said the project remains on schedule and within budget and described recent site milestones: exterior wall panels have been installed and steel erection has begun, allowing work to move to roof and interior construction.
District construction staff described the gym as a reinforced storm shelter built to withstand severe weather in compliance with state requirements. A short time‑lapse video shown at the meeting illustrated rapid wall panel installation; staff said weather slowed work but the site remains on track.
Board members asked about the impact of tariffs and rising material costs. District staff reported that most major steel orders were made before recent tariff changes and that about 80% of the project budget was already under contract; they said furniture costs remain a potential pressure point (furniture represents a small share of the total budget and vendors cited a possible 25% increase, which the district is monitoring). Staff said landscaping and later-stage items are generally less tariff-exposed because tariffs target materials rather than labor.
No budget overruns or schedule changes were reported at the meeting; staff reiterated the project remains within the approved budget and on the planned timeline.
