Peck Middle School construction progressing on schedule; ribbon cutting set for Aug. 14
Summary
Construction at Peck Middle School is progressing on schedule with most systems installed, change orders limited, AV bids under budget and a ribbon-cutting scheduled for Aug. 14. Committee members reviewed progress, commissioning and maintenance training, FF&E and technology procurement, and set upcoming site visits.
Peck Middle School construction is progressing on schedule, committee members heard, with finishes moving forward, most equipment installed and furniture/equipment deliveries planned after July 1 when the contractor turns the building over.
The update came during a meeting of the Peck Middle School Building Committee of Holyoke Public Schools. Josh Luttrell, facilitator, opened the agenda item and turned the presentation over to Chris, a staff member presenting construction administration updates.
Chris said RFIs and submittals have “slowed down substantially,” and that the majority of products have been submitted and approved. He reported that the team has issued six to seven change orders to date and that “we're doing extremely well there” on cost control. He described ongoing work including mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-ins finishing; sheetrock and taping; painting; ceiling grid and ceiling finishes being installed in classrooms; tile installation in restrooms; and rooftop equipment tied into ductwork. “Progress has continued to move at a really good pace,” Chris said.
On procurement and FF&E, Chris said purchase orders for furniture have been issued and that equipment deliveries are expected after the contractor hands the building over, anticipated after July 1. He reported that audio-visual bids came in under budget and that technology equipment bids were due the following day at 5 p.m. and were expected to be favorable.
Chris outlined site work remaining: the site contractor will remobilize as weather allows to prep parking and drives, with curbing going in and binder courses of paving expected in late April or early May once paving plants open. He said windows are installed and being tested and that the roof is complete, with roofers finishing trim and flashing.
Committee members asked about post‑handoff operations. Councilor Jardine asked whether training and maintenance documentation will be provided for district maintenance staff. Chris said the project includes a full commissioning package and owners’ and maintenance manuals with product and warranty data, MSDS and maintenance schedules, provided in hard copy and electronically. He added that manufacturer training and on-site start-up instruction for HVAC and other major systems are planned and that training materials are video-recorded for future reference. Chris said districts typically receive “attic stock” (extra floor tile, ceiling tile, paint) and that the project team works with the district to ensure initial supplies and maintenance schedules are in place.
The committee set next steps and dates: site tours for school committee, school building committee and school leadership are being scheduled for April 2 or April 3; the committee’s upcoming meeting dates were listed as April 10, May 8 and June 12; and a ribbon-cutting was scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 14 at 2 p.m., with a rain date of Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. Erin, a staff member, said about 100 people have been invited and that the six student finalists for the new logo and their families are invited; the logo winner is a sixth grader named Malachi from Metcalf, and the committee said the six finalists would receive recognition and gear.
Votes at a glance: the committee approved the minutes from the Feb. 13 meeting (motion and second on the record; passed by show of hands; count not specified) and later voted to adjourn (motion, second and unanimous result noted; count not specified).
The meeting concluded after the construction and procurement updates and confirming the schedule for site visits and the ribbon-cutting.
