High school project nears finish; board authorizes roof bid advertising

District buildings and grounds staff told the board on Jan. 16 that the Susquehanna High School construction project is in its final stages but that the last phases of work — punch‑list items, paving and final coatings — remain. The district reported that final occupancy inspections have occurred and the building is in use, although the final certificate of occupancy was not on screen in the meeting materials.

The meeting included a summary of recent change orders and electrical change items. The district reported a total of $37,077.84 in change orders for the period with an unused allowance credit of $72,146, resulting in a net district credit (final district cost) of $35,068.16 credited back to the district for that reporting period. Specific items included repointing brick above second‑floor windows, masonry patching, and providing fire‑rated access panels and relocated rescue assistance wiring.

Administrators also described progress on new site signage by the baseball field and said grounds staff completed the infrastructure for the sign; officials expect the sign to be functional by the varsity season.

On permitting, staff said PennDOT issued a permit for the back drive and added comments about the front drive during the review process. District officials said they will meet with PennDOT to determine whether work to the front drive is required now or can be deferred to a later campus project; any PennDOT‑required improvements would be implemented under PennDOT jurisdiction.

The board approved a motion to advertise bids to replace select roof sections at Southern Middle School, Susquehanna High School and Southern Elementary School. Administration said the work is part of the capital plan and partially funded by a grant; bids will include alternates and phased options because roof sections on campus vary in age and material, and some sections were not replaced during prior phases of the high‑school project.

Administration estimated the project timeline will conclude over the next six to 12 months, with top coat paving and exterior paving scheduled for spring. Officials said some contingency items may still draw on project contingencies but that, to date, the project remains on budget.

Ending: With punch lists and final exterior work remaining, the high‑school project is moving toward contractual closeout; the board’s authorization to advertise roof bids will start a separate procurement process for campus roof repairs funded in part by a grant.