Board hears middle-school construction update; road and site utilities work to continue around testing window

Board members received a construction update on the new Rockcastle County middle school site. Staff said contractors are continuing subgrade and underground utility work (storm system, sanitary sewer) and will move to field dirt work when those systems are completed. Weather-related lost days have affected the schedule, and the district described a plan to shift some work sequences to make up time without delaying building foundation work.

A district staff member told the board that the contractor has committed extra concrete and foundation crews to recoup time and that the dirt crew has been working long hours. The staff member said the team expects to begin road transfer work "right after spring" but that the plan will not delay starting the building foundation because crews can work at the back of the building until the road access is adjusted.

Testing coordination: board members confirmed the contractors will be far enough away from classrooms during the state testing window so as not to disrupt students. The district said they will pause or redirect any activity that could affect testing. The board emphasized that testing schedules and student safety remain priorities.

Why it matters: the status of road access, subgrade and utility work affects the schedule for building foundations and the overall opening timeline for the new middle school. Board members asked staff to provide ongoing schedule updates, especially if additional weather days occur.

What's next: staff said they will continue to track progress, coordinate with contractors on extra foundation work and provide updated timeframes to the board.