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Laredo ISD construction update: Sigaroa literacy center on track; small savings and retainage returns noted
Summary
Staff updated trustees on several school construction projects, reported demolition and furniture orders, and presented a deductive change order and final retainage releases. Trustees asked about roof lifespan and contingency funding.
Mister Velasquez and project staff briefed the committee June 4 on current construction work at several campuses, including the Sigaroa Middle School and the Sigaroa High School Literacy Center, demolition at Martin High School J‑ and K‑wing areas, and the Gerald T.C. building work at Martin High.
Project manager Mister Rivera and architect notes described active demolition, millwork installation in the literacy center, planned elevator installation, permanent power hookups and an acceleration lane on Loma Del Sur. Rivera said the literacy center’s interior millwork and several fixtures were in place and that staff expected the literacy center portion to be “completed by June” so art students could use the space in August. Furniture for much of the student seating and classroom fixtures was ordered; cafeteria tables were still pending final approval.
Trustees raised concerns about roofing on the literacy center: trustee questions asked whether the existing roof had sufficient remaining lifespan. Staff said the original project funding did not include full roof replacement; one staff estimate cited a recoding cost “less than $20,000” to re‑coat and extend life by roughly a decade, and staff said contingency and URA/disaster funding could be used if needed. Trustees requested a formal assessment and a confirmed funding plan.
Staff also presented two contract closeout items for committee information: a deductive change order (Change Order No. 1) to Leyendecker Construction, Texas, Inc., RFP 18‑029 (Jesus A. Kawas Elementary), returning $35,350.09 to the district as unused allowances/owner savings; and a final release of retainage of $52,224.66 for Leyendecker Construction on the Cabos Elementary (final completion). Velasquez said these amounts are returning to the district as part of standard closeout processes.
On the Martin High Gerald T.C. building, architects submitted schematic renderings; staff said they hope to bring final documents for board approval in July and that detailed construction documents and bid packages would follow the 100% design phase. Trustees asked about current funding levels; staff said some money has been set aside but that a full funding gap estimate would be provided later. Trustee Rodolfo Morales reminded the board there is a $350,000 balance available for projects the board can choose to allocate.
No formal votes were recorded during the committee presentation; trustees asked staff to provide roof assessment estimates, contingency breakdowns and a clearer picture of outstanding furniture items prior to any final board approvals.
