Board hears construction update: Percy Julian 10% complete, South Lawn slip moves final inspection to Nov. 12

Montgomery Public Schools' capital improvement program got a progress briefing at the board's Oct. 21 work session, where the district's construction consultants and facilities staff outlined schedules, recent milestones and budget variances for several school projects.

Laura Penn of Volker reported that the new Percy Julian High School project is roughly 10% complete and remains targeted for substantial completion in December 2027. "We are currently hitting about 10% overall project complete and, still targeted for a December 2027, substantial completion date," Penn said, and noted the contractor completed an early 20,000‑square‑foot slab pour on the west section of the academic building.

Penn said the contractor is continuing underground mechanical and electrical rough‑in work and that the site's athletic field placement and earthwork are underway. The board was shown aerial video and photographs of recent site work.

South Lawn Middle School's schedule slipped after a subcontractor delay installing the gym floor; Volker now expects a November 12 substantial completion date, Penn said. The district has completed interior installations including concession equipment and laundry/athletic shelving; final items for occupancy include bleacher installation, cove base and final mechanical testing.

Staff also reported budget savings on recently completed work. The Park Crossing Field House project returned a credit from its general contractor that reduced project costs; Volker reported the project budgeted at about $11.6 million with an anticipated final cost near $9.9 million — roughly $1.6 million under budget to be returned to the CIP fund.

Other updates included the Carver High School ninth‑grade academy warranty inspection scheduled for Nov. 12 and a planned advertisement and prequalification schedule for the new Capitol Heights Middle School: advertisement in late 2025 with bids targeted to open in March 2026 and a notice to proceed planned for June 2026, followed by an estimated 18‑month construction period. Morning View Elementary's new power source was connected in mid‑October and its HVAC units are running; Davis Elementary work will be phased beginning with the courtyard. Facilities staff also said the Carver turf and track work is restarting and that asphalt repairs beneath the track require a 30‑day cure before rubber surfacing.

Facilities director Chad Anderson added project‑specific details on roofing, HVAC and field phase scheduling and said several projects will move to bidding this fall pending DCM (Division of Construction Management) review. Board members asked schedule and budget questions and were shown where small remaining items will be completed prior to turnover.

The board had no vote on the project reports; staff said several items will return for separate contract or bid approvals as the procurement process proceeds.