Burlington district reports high-school construction on track; gym floor and partitions to arrive after start of school

Burlington Community School District officials told the school board on July 28 that construction at the new high school is in the final finishing phase and that the district expects occupancy inspections within weeks, but some items will not be completed before classes begin.

District facilities staff said most remaining work is finishing touches — ceiling tiles, specialty items such as whiteboards and soap dispensers, and final HVAC and electrical inspections — and that the project team has scheduled final inspections with the city.

The project team reported they are in "phase 7 of 7" and working on First Floor North and corridor areas around the library. Two final windows were installed and will be water-tested after a 28-day caulk cure period, the team said. Contractors have been addressing minor leaks discovered during recent heavy rains, and staff said the building envelope commissioning agent has been conducting close oversight.

The district also reported delays on several items that will remain outstanding after school starts. The new gym wood floor contractor ran into a scheduling conflict; installation is expected to begin soon and the district now anticipates completing the gym floor by Sept. 5 (the speaker also referenced a later date of Sept. 15 for completion of related coating). Because a vapor/barrier was placed on top of the slab rather than beneath the concrete for the replacement installation, staff said the approach is a higher-end solution intended to prevent moisture migration into the floor.

Several toilet and locker-room partitions were not delivered in time; staff said some partitions were demoed prematurely and temporary accommodations will be placed so facilities can be used until permanent partitions arrive. In the men's locker room the district is replacing an older gang-style open shower arrangement; fixtures will function at the start of school, but new partitions and doors for certain locker-room and pool restrooms will arrive later.

Staff said staging areas and contractors' trailers will be removed soon, light poles and sidewalks are complete, and drainage/manhole adjustments remain to be finished. The district plans to regrade disturbed areas, seed, and tidy site work after trailers are removed.

Board members asked about final testing of the fire alarm and PA systems, door-position switches and audible door alarms, and the schedule for staff training; staff said training and PA-volume testing are planned when the relevant administrators return next week. The district also noted continued work on dust-collection and machine-shop equipment, new subfloor and vinyl tile work in the art room after a discovered leak, and other punch-list items.

The board approved the ESSER and Save monthly status reports by voice vote.