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School board opens debate on high‑school construction costs after Cornerstone review
Summary
The Portland Public Schools board on Feb. 4 heard a high‑level cost comparison prepared by Cornerstone Group and asked staff for guidance on specific tradeoffs to reduce projected costs for three planned high‑school modernizations.
The Portland Public Schools Board of Education on Feb. 4 discussed a Cornerstone Group cost‑comparison of five high‑school modernization projects and asked staff for clearer recommendations on where savings can be found.
Board members and staff said the report shows there is no single cause for the cost differences among projects; instead, a set of factors — building size, escalation, premium spaces such as athletic facilities and kitchens, district energy and equity standards, and site constraints — together explain the price gaps. "When all these factors are taken into account, the projects are closer in cost," Chief of Operations Dan (last name not specified in the transcript) told the board, summarizing the consultant's finding.
The board asked staff to return with concrete options rather than a purely exploratory discussion. Several directors emphasized they…
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