Rockport‑Fulton trustees hear bond‑funded construction update; approve Fulton Elementary gym floor

Trustees of the Rockport‑Fulton Independent School District heard progress updates Thursday on the Bond 2022 construction program, including renovations and additions at Rockport‑Fulton High School and work at Fulton Elementary, and approved a waterproof replacement floor for the Fulton Elementary gym.

The Teal Construction representative reported the Rockport‑Fulton High School additions and renovations are 66 percent complete based on billing, with $25,700,000 authorized for the project and a scheduled substantial completion date of February 2026. The representative cautioned billing percentages can lag actual construction, saying, “that's billing percent complete. That will not always lags behind actual construction.” He added the district is working to complete classroom wings earlier so students can occupy new spaces sooner, noting an “early October” target to finish the classroom wing and fine arts area so demolition can follow on remaining sections.

On Fulton Elementary, the contractor reported a billing percentage of 93 percent and said the project has been delayed by recent weather during roof work and crane scheduling for HVAC rooftop units. The contractor said the completion date shown in a prior board report had been corrected and described ongoing punch‑list and finish work, including ceiling grid, flooring and casework, with the renovated classrooms and former dining area expected to be ready in early July 2025.

Separately, the board approved installation of a new 100 percent waterproof cushion flooring system for the Fulton Elementary gym, funded from bond proceeds, not to exceed $115,000. Trustee Burton moved the motion; Trustee Randall seconded. The vote was 5–0 in favor.

The board also discussed related site work: installation of locker‑room CMU, restroom wall tile and plumbing fixtures at the high school, exterior glazing completion, and new casework and flooring for the commons area. Contractors told trustees that much of the interior work — ceiling grid, lights and mechanical grills — is progressing and that final exterior glazing and interior finishes should wrap up in coming weeks for some areas.

Trustees and contractors emphasized transparency about schedule adjustments and the difference between billing percent and physical completion. The Teal Construction representative said, “At the end, we expect that the district will get money back,” when asked about the overall budget at completion, and noted that while projections show the district under budget currently, final outcomes depend on future events and final paperwork.

The trustees took no additional formal actions related to the high school schedule change beyond receiving the update.