Board briefed on bond projects; Hedgesville Early Learning Academy plan altered after utility easement discovery

Construction managers and the district’s project team updated the board April 7 on multiple bond-funded projects and presented several change-order requests.

Hedgesville Early Learning Academy: The design team reported that FirstEnergy’s actual easement is 200 feet from the centerline of the line — not the 100 feet the team had assumed. That larger easement cuts into the planned corner of the building, occupied a proposed cooling-tower/generator location and covers a planned storm-drain and landscaping area. The district’s architect and contractor proposed relocating the generator and cooling tower to the rear of the site and redesigning the corner as an angled wall, which would reduce enclosed square footage by about 769 square feet. Project managers said construction has not been halted while FirstEnergy correspondence continues and that the change will require plan modifications, minor scope changes and relocation of some site utilities.

Martinsburg/Musicians & Bandroom projects and Spring Mills press box: Project managers reported the auditorium renovation at Martinsburg High School will be delayed because older plaster and ceiling structure had to be removed to access electrical and rigging assemblies; the removal added scope and required additional work. At Spring Mills, managers asked the board to approve additional pavement and expanded parking near the new press boxes. The board approved expansion of parking but declined to approve a paved connecting lane between two press-box areas; board members expressed interest in a lower-cost millings/asphalt alternative to reduce pothole risk and said parking expansion was the higher priority.

Musselman High tennis courts: The board approved an asphalt renovation of the courts (option 2) rather than a full concrete rebuild. Project staff said the chosen option would correct poor subbase drainage and provide an expected useful life for the play surface, while accommodating a future lighting installation that is a separate bond item.

Change orders: The board approved multiple smaller change orders across bond projects (playground concrete, matching brick for Martinsburg High addition, lentils and storm-drain relocation, etc.) but left one Spring Mills paving item off approval pending a lower-cost alternative.

Why it matters: The easement issue at Hedgesville Early Learning Academy requires design revisions and could affect schedule and cost. The board prioritized parking expansion and repairs that provide the most immediate benefit while pushing back higher-cost paving proposals for further analysis.

What’s next: Staff will finalize correspondence with FirstEnergy, update bid and change-order documents as necessary, and return to the board with final cost and schedule adjustments.