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Board allocates FY25 funds to finish Atkinson Academy belfry repairs, citing contractual duty
Summary
The Timberlane school board approved allocating fiscal‑year 2025 funds to complete phase 3 of the Atkinson Academy belfry repairs, an estimated $641,740 project the board said must be done under the district's articles of agreement.
The Timberlane Regional School District school board voted April 3 to allocate fiscal‑year 2025 funds to complete Phase 3 of repairs to the Atkinson Academy belfry, a project estimated at $641,740. Administration said the work is the final phase of a multi‑year restoration required under the school’s articles of agreement.
Superintendent Justin Krieger and district staff explained that Phase 3 focuses on vertical column replacement and detailed exterior repairs to restore the belfry’s original appearance after earlier structural reinforcements. The administration recommended moving the project from the fiscal‑year‑2026 capital improvement plan (CIP) into the current fiscal year because contractors and cranes are already on site for other Atkinson work, creating efficiencies and cost savings.
Board member Mark (last name not specified in the transcript) said he personally inspected the belfry with EEI and described the top of the structure as “pretty rotted up top. It is listing,” adding, “I don't think it's in danger of falling over, but when you see something like that leaning, the sooner we get that done, the sooner we can move on.” The board noted the work is “contractually obligated,” meaning the district must keep the structure maintained in accordance with the agreement governing the building.
The motion to allocate FY25 funds for the Belfry — moved by board member Mark and seconded by Jack Sapien — passed by voice vote. Board members said combining the belfry work with other construction at Atkinson this summer would likely produce savings.
District staff said the recommended funding source would be the lease delta available this year, and that moving the Belfry work into FY25 would not preclude funding other approved lease and CIP projects in FY26. The board asked administration to proceed with contract documents and to bring back any required final cost updates to the board for ratification.
The board’s action allows the district to proceed with procurement steps and on‑site scheduling so contractors already working at Atkinson can coordinate Belfry work this summer.
