La Porte ISD board approves GMP 2 to advance La Porte High School renovation

The La Porte Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) No. 2 for renovations at La Porte High School during a special meeting, moving the project into phase 2 and authorizing staff to issue a notice to proceed.

The approval, offered as a motion by Trustee Melissa Crutcher and carried unanimously, covers a GMP estimate described in the meeting as $16,000,000 and includes work on demolition, steel erection, concrete, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, acoustical ceilings and artificial turf. Dr. Martinez, the district superintendent, told trustees the district is prepared to issue the notice to proceed “today after this meeting, which will green light construction, to begin phase 2.”

The vote follows a presentation that refreshed trustees on the project timeline and site conditions. Dr. Martinez said phase 1 is complete and that phase 2 should be “near completion” by about this time next year, with substantial completion expected in August 2026. The scope presented includes a full renovation of high school spaces and a new competition gym; the presenter noted coordination with contractors so gym access can be delayed until after basketball season to reduce disruptions.

Trustees and staff discussed several cost drivers. The presenter said numerous line items were each “in upwards of $500,000,” called out artificial turf as close to that range, and said the site required additional drainage work: “there was a need for about 3 times the original amount” for detention upgrades because the site is older and close to the water. The district also expects utility relocations and MEP rerouting during early phases.

Board members asked about student circulation, temporary routes and parking during construction. Dr. Martinez and district staff said they will provide walk-throughs for trustees and that site superintendent Bobby is coordinating temporary measures; the presenter said about 30 new parking spaces will be available near the front of the building at the start of the school year and that plans are being developed to reopen access to the junior lot sooner.

Representatives from construction manager and consultants — including Jeff Hurd of Gallagher and an unnamed representative from Huckabee — participated in discussions about schedule and contractor coordination. The board record shows the motion to approve GMP No. 2 as proposed by Telson Builders LP, the construction manager at risk, and the motion carried unanimously.

The board did not take additional budget amendments at the meeting; staff indicated the next steps are issuance of the notice to proceed and continuing weekly Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings to monitor progress. Trustees were offered opportunities for site walks and more detailed briefings before students return to campus.