Bond-funded school renovations near completion; final inspections set for late August and September

Max Hackett, project manager for Skillman Corporation, updated the Edwardsburg Public Schools Board of Education on the status of the district's bond-funded construction projects Thursday, reporting substantial-completion targets and final inspections for most sites.

The projects — authorized by a bond the community passed in 2024 — include restroom and flooring renovations at Eagle Lake; office, casework and health-room work at the primary and intermediate schools; extensive office and secure-vestibule renovations at the middle and high schools; and a new parent drop-off loop serving primary and intermediate. Hackett said many sites will reach substantial completion as teachers return the week of Aug. 25, with the high school substantial-completion date set for Sept. 22.

The work at Eagle Lake centered on restroom renovations, a secure vestibule and new flooring. "This project had 49 working days total," Hackett said, adding that inspectors completed a 50% inspection in mid-July and that final mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspections were scheduled for the week of the board meeting. At the middle school, where demolition and abatement took longer, Hackett said the project required about 89 working days; the high school work requires about 83 working days and encountered delays that pushed its completion into late September.

Hackett described the parent drop-off loop as the last-bid project; he said the contractor mobilized in late May, completed site clearing and extensive underground drainage work, began paving on Aug. 13 and planned striping the following week. "We had 69 working days on this project and a most of 23 people working on-site," he said.

Hackett walked the board through before-and-after photos, construction sequencing and closeout steps. He said the team was preparing punch lists, conducting final systems testing and commissioning, and assembling warranties and operation-and-maintenance manuals for the district. "Substantial completion is important because that sets up our warranty dates for everything," Hackett told the board.

Board members thanked Hackett and Skillman's staff; one board member said, "Big thank you to you, Max, and your team. You've been incredibly easy to work with on top of any concern we've brought to you." Hackett replied that he appreciated the district's cooperation.

The board and Skillman plan contractor closeout meetings, final inspections and owner training in the weeks immediately following the report. The district said it will schedule a community viewing once work is complete so residents can see spaces improved with bond funds.