Portsmouth High roof: bid timetable set; state emergency reimbursement capped at $500,000 with about 40% expected return

Superintendent Kenworthy and facilities staff updated the Portsmouth School Committee on the Portsmouth High School roof project during the March 11 meeting, setting an April 3 bid-opening date and describing next steps for town and state funding.

District staff said they had initiated an official bid process because of the scope of work and that bids are scheduled to be opened April 3, with the next school committee meeting on April 8 available to address awards. The district noted an auditorium closure for safety and some rescheduling of events because of roof concerns.

Officials described the state emergency reimbursement process. Staff reported the state has an emergency reimbursement “cap” of $500,000 for this type of project; the reimbursement is not a flat grant but a reimbursement at the district’s eligible rate. For this project the district estimated a reimbursement rate near 40%, meaning the state would reimburse about 40% of eligible emergency costs up to the $500,000 cap; a $500,000 cap at 40% would return roughly $200,000 to the town/district. The administration advised that the district still must spend prior to receiving reimbursement and that reimbursements depend on project classification and capital-plan status.

Committee members discussed timing and next steps, including whether to route the project through the capital committee and the town’s involvement in bonding. Superintendent Kenworthy noted the district is working with the town and insurance processes are underway; staff filed an insurance claim and said the district will address claims once the new roof is installed.

District leaders said they will continue to seek funding angles and that any awarded contract timeline would likely require coordination with the town and the capital process; they urged committee members to be prepared to discuss bid awards at the April 8 meeting if schedules permit.