Board approves guaranteed maximum price to begin E.B. Frank Middle School construction, subject to counsel sign-off

The Lenoir County Board of Education on June 2 approved a guaranteed maximum price and authorized work to begin on the new E.B. Frank Middle School, contingent on final review by the board’s attorney.

The board advanced the construction manager’s recommendation after a presentation by Metcon, the project’s construction management firm. Mike Konischka, vice president of Metcon, said the project came in under the budget that planners had expected and that the team had been able to preserve or add several preferred features. "We are under budget and you we're gonna have a a tremendous facility," Konischka said.

Metcon’s presentation listed a $52 million federal grant as the primary construction funding source, a 5% local match that brings the total project package to roughly $54.6 million, and a guaranteed maximum price to authorize site mobilization and subcontract awards. Metcon said using an on‑site borrow pit for fill saved about $500,000. The firm told the board the GMP includes allowances and contingencies larger than typical K–12 projects: allowances around 10% and an owner contingency of about 4%, plus an owner-added scope allowance of roughly $1.8 million to be applied at the district’s discretion. Metcon also said there is an additional $350,000 owner contingency outside the GMP.

Metcon recommended installing terrazzo in public areas instead of luxury vinyl tile, saying terrazzo is higher‑durability and lower‑maintenance but would extend substantial completion by about two months. Metcon estimated that accelerating terrazzo installation to avoid schedule slip could cost in the range of $500,000; the company said any extra cost could be drawn from the owner scope allowance or contingency.

On schedule, Metcon reported a substantial completion date that turns keys over to the district by Dec. 23; the presentation noted districts typically need about 45 days after turnover to move in, placing an anticipated operational date near Feb. 1. Metcon warned that choosing terrazzo could move occupancy into spring months unless the district accepts acceleration costs.

Board members debated moving the construction item from information to action. Board member Catherine Davis moved to amend the agenda and add the E.B. Frank guaranteed maximum price for approval; the motion carried 5–2. Davis then moved to approve the GMP and to authorize Metcon to begin work "subject to final review and recommendation of the board’s attorney." The board approved the motion.

The presentation also covered permitting and site logistics; Metcon said it had received conditional acceptance from the Department of Transportation and did not anticipate permit problems and that the team is ready to pull the building permit once the GMP is signed.

The vote authorizes Metcon to begin mobilization and issue subcontract awards after the board attorney completes final review. The board and Metcon said they expect monthly construction updates to continue.