Board confirms July 15 notice to proceed for E.B. Frank Middle School; land transfer recorded, terrazzo cost/timeline resolved

The Lenoir County Board of Education heard a construction update June 30 and was told that notice-to-proceed letters for the E.B. Frank Middle School project will be issued the week of July 15, 2025, allowing subcontractors to begin on-site work immediately upon receipt.

Board members were also told that the land for the new middle school has been transferred to Lenoir County Public Schools and the deed recorded at the register of deeds, and that the district's attorneys have approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for the project.

The construction update matters because it fixes the district's timeline and clarifies costs that had been uncertain. With a recorded land transfer and an approved GMP, contractors can mobilize and the district can plan occupancy and related school operations. The board was also briefed on a change in the flooring plan and a revised construction timeline that avoids previously proposed extra-expense expedited work.

According to the update, attorneys for the district and the construction contractor reached agreement on the GMP after several rounds of review. A district representative said, "contractors will begin their work the week of 07/15/2025." Board members were told a previous statement at an earlier meeting that construction would start in June was incorrect and that the formal notification process will begin in mid-July.

On site control, the board was told all town and district signatures for the land transfer had been completed and the transfer…