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Referendum projects advancing; transformers and ComEd schedule pose critical path risk
Summary
Huffman Kiel project manager Jordan Schultz told the board that O'Neil and Herrick additions are progressing, turnover is targeted after spring break for some areas, overall referendum work is 45% invoiced and 94% committed, but ComEd transformer timing could force temporary solutions and summer overtime to meet an August turnover goal.
Jordan Schultz, project manager from Huffman Kiel, gave the board a construction update on Feb. 10 covering the district's referendum projects, phases 1–3 work and schedule risks.
Schultz said interior renovations at Herrick and the O'Neil addition are progressing: curtain wall glazing, kitchen hood installation and unit vents are in place and work will proceed to drywall once the buildings are weather tight. He said turnover for some areas is scheduled after spring break and the district's focal target for full turnover remains in August to allow two weeks for furniture installation and move logistics before staff return.
On utility infrastructure, Schultz said the ComEd transformer for O'Neil remained on track to arrive in March, but the transformer for Herrick was delayed. "What we're working on and are kind of pushing for is, hey, could we spend a little bit of extra money?" Schultz said, explaining the team was exploring temporary transformers or temporary heating and cooling to accelerate interior finishing rather than compressing large amounts of work into July and August.
The project manager said the team is seeking a response from ComEd in the next two weeks and is pursuing a single point of contact to streamline communications. He warned that finishes such as gym wood floors and other specialty items are vulnerable to weather and schedule compression and that additional overtime or contingency spending might be required if ComEd cannot meet timing expectations.
Financial and schedule highlights Schultz provided: the overall referendum program was about 45% invoiced to date and roughly 94% of project costs were committed; phase‑1 rebates from third parties were projected at about $90,000; and phase‑1 final closeout had a small remaining contingency estimated in the $50,000–$100,000 range. Phase‑2 contractor submittals were under review and phase‑3 design meetings were underway.
Board members pressed about schedule and ComEd, and Schultz and district staff said they would continue pressing the utility for either permanent or temporary provisions to avoid summer schedule risks.
Superintendent Kevin Russell and construction staff thanked the project team and emphasized that staff will continue coordinating logistics, furniture ordering and technology delivery to hit the August milestone if feasible.
