New district building and grounds director reports summer projects; parking-lot sidewalk work delayed for correction

David Broker, the district’s new director of building and grounds, told the board on Aug. 7 that multiple summer capital projects were complete or near completion and highlighted a sidewalk correction and schedule pressure ahead of the school year.

Broker said roofing replacement work at Four Mile and the junior high is complete and that interior finish work (flooring and some painting) is finished or wrapping up. He reported completed site security bollards and sidewalk replacement at Four Mile, additional concrete repairs and roadway work at the high school, tennis court resurfacing and several classroom and playground improvements across the district.

On the project between the junior high and the district office, Broker said an initial concrete pour did not meet the inspector’s slope requirements. That section was removed and re-poured; afterward the contractor identified small elevation differences between concrete and adjacent paving that require a "feathering" repair with asphalt. Broker said the contractor estimated the correction at about $5,500 and that the contractor intends to cover portions of the work; district staff continue to reconcile costs and change orders.

Board members asked whether the sidewalk correction and remaining tasks will be finished before school starts. Broker said contractors were aware of the importance of completing work before the first day of school and the schedule was pushed to require completion prior to students’ arrival; he also said staff will coordinate traffic flow with transportation if work overlaps early arrival dates. Broker said the district will monitor any feathered transitions for long-term durability.

Broker noted two recent water events at Four Mile: one water leak that damaged a classroom and a later release related to a water main that required clean-up and temporary remediation. He said outside vendors and the building and grounds staff had dried and remediated affected areas and that a follow-up cleaning would occur to ensure the space is ready for fall.

The board asked about gates on a new walking pathway; Broker and staff said final specs did not include gate arms and that bus staging will be used to restrict access during bus pick-up and drop-off. Trustees asked for confirmation of final plans and any changes to the specs.

Broker said the facilities group will continue to finish punch-list items and small corrections and that the department will maintain communication with school leaders and the transportation director as the start of school approaches.