Upper Little Caillou and Grand Caillou school projects delayed by FEMA review; district targeting summer 2027 occupancy

District contractors updated the committee on design and FEMA review status for reconstruction projects at Upper Little Caillou and Grand Caillou elementary schools, saying both projects remain under review by FEMA and that responses to FEMA comments may alter portions of the floor plans.

Design teams presented two preliminary designs in February and have since advanced construction documents while coordinating with FEMA. Facilities staff said a recent FEMA comment raised questions about changes in specific equipment sizes (for example, an increase in a walk‑in cooler from 80 to 200 square feet), which could affect replacement cost calculations and some corridor widths. As a result, the team is preparing revised plans to satisfy FEMA and avoid risking replacement‑cost status.

Contractors indicated they will respond to FEMA comments in the next one to two weeks and are targeting a September 2025 bid receipt date for one school and roughly two weeks later for the other. The district is aiming for construction and occupancy in the summer of 2027 so the schools can be used in the 2027–28 school year. Committee members expressed frustration at schedule slips and the protracted FEMA coordination; staff said changes in regional FEMA staffing and demobilization have slowed review cycles and increased the level of detail in reviews.

The update was informational. Staff said they will continue coordinating with FEMA and the contractor team and report back as designs are finalized and bid timelines are confirmed.