District facilities report: paving, multipurpose buildings and auditorium work underway; trailer occupancy delayed by utility hookup

District facilities staff gave trustees a summary of current capital-improvement projects and construction progress at the January meeting.

Highlights included that the paving project at Vicksburg High, Vicksburg Junior High and Redwood Elementary is in punch-list status; multipurpose building construction at Warrenton and South Park is progressing (slabs poured, storm-shelter walls up and steel on delivery schedule); the RCEC renovation interior work is ahead of schedule; and auditorium refreshes at Vicksburg High and Morrison are nearly complete.

Staff reported a visible delay in occupying temporary trailers approved in October: Entergy had not completed a power hook-up that prevents occupancy, and the district signed paperwork the day of the meeting to begin that process. The district said once power is connected the remaining tasks include HVAC hookup and finishing an exterior handicap ramp.

Locker-room and ROTC work at one school encountered unforeseen issues after demolition, including a legacy roof drain that leaked and required removal and repair; staff approved a change order up to a $20,000 threshold for ceiling, lighting and layout adjustments and repair work, which the superintendent and facilities director had authorized within their delegated authority.

Why it matters: The updates affect where and how instruction will be delivered (temporary trailers) and timing for construction-related school operations; unresolved utility hookups and unexpected building defects can delay occupancy and add costs.

Ending Staff told trustees they will return schedule updates and any additional change orders as projects progress.