New Hoke County school nears structural completion; contingencies remain

The board received a construction update on the new school project showing substantial structural progress and a schedule that targets substantial completion in late February 2026, with staff planning occupancy in the summer.

John Barratt, the project presenter, said the roof planks and metal decking are largely in place across classroom areas, the commons area framing and clear-story window framing are progressing, and interior utilities work has begun in the science lab area. "The project is tracking the schedule and maintaining the schedule to date," Barratt said.

Barratt reported the contractor has used just over 62% of construction days and has been paid a little more than 42% of the contract sum, a common lag between time and payments. He summarized contingency usage: about 44% of the contractor contingency and 34% of the design contingency have been used; the owner contingency has grown by about 28% since the start of the project. The original total contract contingency was approximately $2,400,000; remaining contingencies were reported at just over $1,700,000.

Project staff identified potential additional impacts under review that could total up to $982,000. If the full amount is required, Barratt said that would reduce the remaining contingency to about $792,000. He said the team believes most major unforeseen costs have been identified but cautioned demolition of the existing buildings could reveal additional asbestos-containing materials or other conditions that would affect costs.

A placeholder of $250,000 was included in the project budget for commissioning, described as a code requirement; the district has issued a request for qualifications for commissioning services with submissions due April 10.

Barratt invited board members to tour the site while construction continues.

No formal board action was taken on the construction update; it was presented as information.