Liberty Curtain Elementary on track overall but faces potential year-long switchgear delay, contractor providing temporary fix

Jeff Straub, project manager for Crabtree, told the Keystone Central School Board Facilities Committee on Feb. 25 that construction of Liberty Curtain Elementary is progressing well but faces a potential long delay for the building—s permanent electrical switchgear.

"Time wise, we're 72% through the project. But as far as budget, we're 80% through the project right now," Straub said, summarizing construction progress and cost tracking. He said the manufacturer for the required switchgear has pushed deliveries nationally and that the district learned that the permanent switchgear may not arrive for up to a year. "The electrician has a temporary switchgear that he's installing temporarily," Straub said, adding the electrician is taking responsibility for that unit and that "you will not be paying any lease charges for that. Essentially, he's taking, ownership of this as a as his responsibility." Straub said he had not heard of any additional cost being charged to the district for the temporary solution.

Why it matters: the switchgear affects when permanent electrical systems can be activated and certain final finishes completed. Straub said a target for temporary power start-up is March 25, which would allow final finishes such as the gym wood floor to proceed. Furniture delivery for the building is scheduled for mid-July, and demolition of the existing school is planned to begin the day after teacher wrap-up in early June, with roughly three weeks estimated for demolition and site work on new parking lots during June and July.

Key schedule and construction details: Straub said the building envelope—windows, storefront and curtain wall—is essentially complete and drywall, ceiling tile and casework are near completion. He reported classroom flooring largely installed, ceiling work progressing, toilet partitions signed off by the code official and plumbing fixtures substantially in place. Straub also noted commissioning agents will verify air quality and systems before occupancy.

Budget and contingency: Straub presented a district-wide cost review that covered construction and soft costs. He reported $17.4 million spent to date and a planning estimate that the district will spend roughly $22.6 million total on the project. The original contingency was $542,000; after reviewing actuals the project team recommended reducing the displayed construction contingency to $150,000 for planning purposes. Straub said roughly $25,000 of contingency has been used to date and that contractors have submitted about $23,000 in change orders so far. He identified three items being tracked for potential change orders—an art kiln exhaust (~$5,000), a large sink coordinate issue (~$2,000), and a media-center finish warranty requirement (~$7,000)—and noted the remaining contingency should cover these and small unknowns such as unsuitable soils discovered during demolition.

Financial planning and monitoring: Straub said the updated estimate is intended as a living planning tool for the business office. He reported the district—s financing consultant originally budgeted $458,000 for financing and that actual financing costs to date are about $101,000; testing/inspection costs are trending below budget as well. Straub and the business office agreed to provide monthly updates so the district can track final costs as the project concludes.

What was not decided: No formal board action was taken at the meeting on the topics reported. Straub and district staff said they would return with updated numbers and recommended the business office continue monthly tracking and reporting to the board.

Ending: Straub and the committee agreed May would be a useful time for the next construction update, just before summer work and demolition begin.