Construction and facilities update: early learning academy slabs, band‑room work and Spring Mills turf advance; Mountain Ridge drawing strong bidder interest

The board received a facilities and bond update on March 17 covering several capital projects across the district.

Facilities presenter Mr. Tyson reported that at the Hedgesville Early Learning Academy concrete slabs are being poured, concrete block walls are rising and electrical conduit is being installed. At Tomahawk Intermediate the building pad is complete and contractors have begun work on the foundation; the presenter said the project is still expected to finish by July.

At Martinsburg High the band‑room addition is progressing with steel stud framing and interior block walls nearly complete; Mr. Tyson said roofing membrane installation was under way and that additional demolition of upper‑level plaster in the auditorium will be required to access wiring. Board members were told that plaster removal will appear as a change order because it was not part of the original scope.

Spring Mills High’s turf replacement resumed after cold weather delayed work; contractors began installing turf the prior Friday and the presenter estimated a roughly two‑week install period. The Mountain Ridge Primary pre‑bid meeting drew about 60 contractors and subcontractors, including roughly 11–12 general contractors; the bid opening is scheduled for March 26.

Mr. Tyson also reported that press box work at Spring Mills High is nearing completion except for exterior stair fabrication, and that geotechnical reports for the Musselman tennis court project were returned to staff and submitted to contractors this week so that a bidding timeline can be set.

During the same meeting the board reviewed planned summer maintenance for school gymnasium floors. A cooperative purchasing agency recommended a vendor for sanding, repainting and sealing work across 14 gym floors for an estimated cost of $217,012. Three floors (Hedgesville Middle, North Middle and the auxiliary gym at Spring Mills) require a complete sand and repaint; the rest would receive screening and reseal. Staff noted warranties and performance bonds are part of the procurement discussion and that some screens cannot guarantee against future peeling depending on underlying conditions.

What’s next: staff will proceed with bid openings and procurement steps, return change‑order cost estimates for the Martinsburg auditorium work, and schedule the gym floor maintenance for summer months.