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New Hoke County school project 'on schedule,' contractor payments at 58%; contingencies reduced after changes
Summary
District staff reported substantial progress on the new school: contractors are roughly 58% paid, building is dried in, glazing installed and finishing work underway. Contingency reserves have been used for design and owner items; known change orders near $1 million are under review.
Hoke County Schools staff told the board on Sept. 9 that construction on the district’s new school is on schedule and moving into interior finishes, while budget contingencies have been drawn down as change orders are reviewed.
The construction presentation said the general contractor has received about 58% of contract payments and the site and building are entering the finishing phase: curtain glazing is being installed, ductwork insulation is underway, drywall is beginning to go up and the main entry and pick-up/drop-off loop are substantially formed. The common learning stair, trophy-case areas and an elevated platform for board meetings are taking shape inside the building.
Why it matters: The project’s schedule and remaining contingencies determine how and when students and staff will move into the new facility and whether the district can absorb construction change orders without asking for more funding.
Budget and contingency status: The presenter reported the project began with contingencies of just over $2.4 million; a portion has been spent and the available contingencies were reported as roughly $665,000 after identified potential change orders. The design contingency was reported at about 142% used and the owner contingency had increased by about 34% relative to earlier reports. Staff said there are change orders under review that could total about $1 million; if those proceed the contingencies would still leave roughly $665,000.
Site and safety notes: Construction staff described traffic-flow adjustments for arrival and dismissal — a closed campus road requires parents and buses to use a reconfigured pickup/drop-off loop on School Road — and said the revised procedures have been working with a strategic plan for traffic and bus movement. The finished building will include layered access control with a reception vestibule, an intercom/phone entry system and a controlled second set of doors to limit public access to the main lobby.
Schedule and next steps: Staff presented a schedule showing the project remains on track for planned move-in in the coming year. The construction manager said as drywall and ceiling systems proceed the project will shift from structural work to systems and finishes. Staff will continue to report monthly on progress and budget changes.
Ending: The board received the update without requesting changes and staff said they will return with any required contract change-order details and a continued schedule for occupancy.
