Louisa County project manager says high school renovation, new CTE building on time and under budget

District staff gave a progress update on two active construction projects — a high school renovation and a new career and technical education (CTE) building — and told the Louisa County School Board the work is on schedule and under budget.

The staff member said most exterior windows are installed and that HVAC systems will be energized within two weeks to begin conditioning interior spaces. Inside the renovated high school, staff showed photos of painted walls, ceiling grids installed, classroom casework going in and a secure connector that links the “all-day” side of the building to the general-education side. The presentation said a doorway between the renovation and the middle school is open and that several former classrooms in the existing building were converted into two science classrooms and a central prep area.

The presentation included a $6,344 change order for added steel bridging in the gym roof structure; the staff member said crews discovered existing bridging in the older structure and recommended matching it in the new work “for additional strength and stability,” and the change order was approved. The board also approved four purchase orders totaling $34,123.43 for construction-administration and related services as part of the consent agenda.

On budget and percent-complete figures, the staff member reported the project is about 68% spent against budget and estimated roughly 80% complete. “We are on time and well under budget,” the staff member said. The presenter also said some office spaces that normally would be turned over only at the end of the project may be delivered early to the school for use when classes start in August, if final inspections and punch-list work permit it.

The CTE building update included a rendering and early-site photographs. The speaker showed a new parking-lot footprint tied to the CTE site and said the contractor has encountered only routine subsurface items (footings, conduit) and no major unforeseen conditions so far. The presenter said the CTE complex is at an early stage financially with minimal spending to date and that its facilities related to baseball and softball will be notable when completed.

Board members asked follow-up questions about schedule and early turnover of office spaces; staff said they will continue coordinating with the contractor and the schools on any early access. The presentation included photographs of mechanical and kitchen equipment (including a walk-in refrigerator and freezer) and noted classrooms will be ready for the opening of school.

Next steps: staff said they will complete remaining finish work, continue routine change-order reviews, and respond to any board questions about early occupancy. The board did not take additional formal action beyond approving the listed change order and purchase orders during the consent agenda.