College Station ISD board approves GMPs for multiple campus projects; construction laydown at A&M Consolidated will remove student parking

The College Station ISD Board of Trustees approved multiple guaranteed maximum prices (GMPs) and a track repair contract during the March 18 meeting and heard detailed construction and parking plans for the projects during the workshop.

What the board approved: In separate votes the board approved a GMP of $38,878,808 for additions and renovations to A&M Consolidated High School (motion by Ms. Simmons, second by Ms. McAdams; vote 5–0), a GMP of $56,850,715 for College Station High School and Rock Prairie Elementary (motion by Ms. Ige, second by Ms. Simmons; vote 5–0), and a track repair contract for $152,835 to address localized slumping on the recently resurfaced Consolidated track (motion by Ms. Simmons, second by Ms. Wilson; vote 5–0). The board also authorized the superintendent to execute the A&M Consolidated agreement.

Why the approvals matter: The GMPs allow construction managers to mobilize and begin work on bond projects funded by the 2023 bond package. Facilities staff said mobilization is imminent and that combining some projects reduced cost and procurement risk by attracting more competitive subcontractor bids.

Construction and schedule details: Paul Buckner, executive director of facilities, told the board the A&M Consolidated expansion will affect 96 student parking spaces and approximately 47 staff spaces while the construction laydown yard occupies a portion of the campus parking lot. He said contractors will begin mobilizing next week, with substantial completion for A&M Consolidated targeted for summer 2026 if schedules hold. For College Station High School, staff presented an accelerated plan that would cut the project from two years to about 18 months, with an expected completion in October 2026 if the district’s aggressive timeline holds.

Parking mitigation: To replace spaces lost to construction, district staff negotiated a memorandum of understanding to lease the back half of the parking lot at Grace Bible Church (Julie White, campus contact) for $1. The district said it struck and painted 85 spaces in that lot and will issue permits and register vehicles; a parking attendant will monitor the lot and district staff will provide training and communication so students who are accustomed to parking across the street relocate to the leased lot. Buckner said the district has already painted the leased spaces and will phase access and training for drivers through the remainder of the school year.

Bus circulation and safety fencing: Buckner said the bus loop at A&M Consolidated will be relocated to the front of the building; the district chose that location because special education buses already drop in front and the change reduces unsafe drop‑off practices observed around the campus. The construction zones will be enclosed with six‑foot safety fencing and have controlled contractor access; contractors will build interior partition walls after hours to separate students and construction workers.

Other scope and coordination: Buckner described concurrent work across campuses, including roof replacement at A&M Consolidated and roofing repairs at Spring Creek. He said the district has identified two laydown yards near the high school campus and will phase some alternates into the GMPs to capture additional scope while pricing is favorable. He also said doing multiple projects together improved competitiveness for bids on smaller projects such as Rock Prairie.

Trustee questions and next steps: Trustees asked about signage and enforcement on nearby streets, how student parking permits and monitoring will work, and the criteria the district used to locate laydown yards. Buckner said he and transportation and campus leaders have observed the lots and drop‑off patterns and have worked with parent and PTO leaders while negotiating the lease and painting spaces. He said the district will monitor the leased lot and pivot if necessary.

Votes at a glance: - K1: Guaranteed maximum price (GMP) amendment — A&M Consolidated High School with Duratec, Inc.: $38,878,808. Motion: approve (Ms. Simmons). Second: Ms. McAdams. Vote: 5–0. Outcome: approved. Notes: superintendent authorized to execute agreement. - K2: Guaranteed maximum price (GMP) — College Station High School & Rock Prairie Elementary with Dremala Construction: $56,850,715. Motion: approve (Ms. Ige). Second: Ms. Simmons. Vote: 5–0. Outcome: approved. - K3: Track repairs at A&M Consolidated High School: $152,835. Motion: approve (Ms. Simmons). Second: Ms. Wilson. Vote: 5–0. Outcome: approved.

Ending: District staff said they will begin contractor mobilization immediately after GMP ratification and will keep trustees updated on schedules, parking enforcement, and any necessary adjustments to protect student safety and campus operations.