Hendry County School District staff told the school board Wednesday that 60% design plans for the new LaBelle High School are complete and under review, with civil/earthwork bidding expected in June and construction activity slated later this summer.

Superintendent Swindle said the district received the 60% drawings and expects to advertise bids for foundational earthwork — including parking and drainage — once civil review is complete. He said inspectors and certified professionals will be needed during site work and construction and recommended the board approve building official services via a piggyback contract from Lee County Schools.

The board approved the recommended building official services. District staff described the contract as a piggyback off Lee County School District’s existing agreement with firms experienced in large K–12 construction, noting the vendor’s capacity to provide timely inspections for multiple trades. Staff estimated an allocation of roughly $800,000 over the coming two years to cover inspection services and associated fees.

Superintendent Swindle provided an implementation timeline: civil bidding for earthwork in June, site work to begin in July if schedules hold, and an intended opening for the 2027–28 school year. He noted the district’s expectation to graduate the class of 2027 from the new site and that leadership will continue periodic construction updates to the board.

The contract vote carried after a motion by Miss Nelson and a second by Mr. Samerdike.