Redford Union reports near-complete 2021 bond work; $1.8M unallocated reserve and punch-list items remain

Redford Union Schools officials told the school board on Feb. 10 that the district’s 2021 capital bond program is substantially complete but still has outstanding punch-list work and an unallocated reserve that the board can reassign or return to general funds.

District project managers and the bond owner's representatives presented photos of finished spaces—an esports room, a corridor and multipurpose space, a new gymnasium, upgraded athletic facilities and the completed Miracle Field—and summarized remaining work across campuses.

Project status: staff said there are just under 100 punch-list items districtwide, concentrated mainly at the secondary campus; at some buildings that count currently stands near 18 items. Some items will be finished during school breaks to avoid disruption: the remaining gym floor touch-ups in the new gym are scheduled after school ends in June; a junior-high lunchroom window is expected to be installed in April; other small items (wall decals, a marquee sign) are scheduled for March–April.

Permits and inspections: final inspections and permit closeouts for multiple campuses are targeted for March–April 2025, district staff said. A remaining item driving the secondary campus closeout is fire-alarm modifications; Johnson Controls will perform programming updates after electrical and wiring work by E Zeeb Electric is complete.

Budget and reserves: presenters said the $66.7 million bond program has allocations and commitments totaling roughly $64.5 million, leaving an unallocated reserve of about $1.7–$1.8 million. District financial staff said part of that balance reflects interest earnings, bond issuance costs, program contingencies and unused allowances, and that the funding pool includes a mix of bond proceeds plus some general-fund allocations that were offset by ESSER and other sources during the bond period. CFO remarks noted the district must comply with federal arbitrage and expenditure rules (for example, the usual multi-year spending windows tied to bond series) and that the board has flexibility on how to use any remaining reserve.

Remaining projects and options: the board discussed several options for remaining funds, with specific mention of baseball field options (site options included a site across from the high school, Beach Elementary, or partnering with the township). Staff emphasized the district is not required to spend the $1.8 million immediately and can also return it to the general fund; however, staff said the board will want to consider priorities and cost differences among the baseball-field options.

Timeline and context: the district noted voters approved the bond in May 2021 and that substantial construction occurred over the past four years. Presenters said the district has complied with spending benchmarks for bond proceeds and that final retainage is held until punch-lists are closed and subcontractor obligations are complete.

Board members praised the completed facilities and asked questions about timelines, remaining items and signage. The board and staff agreed to continue tracking open punch-list items and report back as installs and inspections are completed.

Photos and tours: staff showed professional photographs of finished areas and said they will continue to monitor and finish outstanding items with contractors on a schedule that minimizes disruption to students.