School board approves Phase 1 guaranteed maximum price for Rex Weech field improvements

The Monroe County School Board approved a Phase 1 guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contract for the Rex Weech Field improvements, allowing the district to begin demolition and construction on the project's training center and associated site work.

Facilities staff said the design process for Rex Weech is complete and the contractor developed an initial GMP for phase 1 based on a project budget of $3,500,000. Staff reported the total project estimate came in just under $5,000,000 and that the initial phase — focused on the training center and adjacent site work — has a GMP of $3,180,000. Staff said, if approved, mobilization could begin about Aug. 26 with building construction starting in September and an estimated completion of the training center in May 2026.

Funding for the project as discussed by staff includes roughly $2,000,000 originally available from the project change funds, a $1,000,000 contribution from the Ed Knight Foundation (described as two $500,000 installments), and a $500,000 TDC grant targeted for phase 2. Staff said the phase 1 GMP covers the training center scope and that some IT items and FF&E (furnishings, fixtures and equipment) are expected to be handled outside the GMP.

Motion and vote: the motion to approve the phase 1 GMP was made from the dais; board procedure recorded “Motion by Mr. Horan, second by [not specified];” hearing no no votes, the motion passed.

Staff will proceed with mobilization and bring subsequent contract and phase 2 budget items back to the board for future votes.