District receives multi-site construction updates; board approves South Brandywine new elementary land-development and financial-security agreements

Representatives from The Schroeder Group and ICS Construction gave the operations committee a multi-site construction update on March 11 covering ongoing work at Reesville, North Brandywine and other district schools, and described timing for future packages including a new elementary school on the North Brandywine site.

David Schrader (Schroeder Group) and Matt Kelly (ICS Construction Management) reported that building permits have been received for several projects and that site work and footings are well underway at the Reesville addition. Kelly said the project has completed a relocated water line, new meter pit, underground stormwater infiltration, exterior masonry and that slabs and concrete pours are imminent: "...we'll start to see the structure come out of the ground here in the next month." Progress photos and renderings were shown to the committee.

At North Brandywine, Schrader said the design is proceeding from schematic design into design development and noted the project will be constructed in phases to maintain capacity while the district builds a new elementary building on the same campus. The schedule presented calls for bid packages in late 2025, construction beginning in March 2026 and substantial completion targeted in August 2028; site restoration and demolition of the old North Brandywine building would follow, with final campus restoration in 2029.

The teams also gave status updates on Scott Middle School (HVAC and generator work nearing substantial completion and interior finishes scheduled for summer phases) and Doe Run Elementary (ongoing site work and foundations). For King's Highway Elementary, designers are preparing design-development materials and the plan includes five classroom additions, replacement of modular classrooms, and a secure front entry/administrative suite. Engineers are evaluating water, septic and well system questions as part of the land-development process.

Financial context referenced in the meetings included prior bond activity and capital spending. At the finance presentation earlier in the evening, the auditor noted an $86,000,000 2023 bond issuance to support elementary work and other projects; construction teams warned that capital-project schedules and site logistics can drive sequencing decisions.

Special meeting approvals: on March 11 the board held a special meeting and approved by roll-call vote two agenda items related to the South Brandywine new elementary school (listed in the packet as the land-development agreement and the financial-security agreement). The motions were made and seconded and passed unanimously. The roll-call votes recorded the following yes votes: Beth Brindle, Liz Muirhead, Elgin Bailey, Robin Seagreeves, Shauna Maxwell, Holly Shiress, Steve Wilson, Erin Yako (Larian Yako), and Donna Roland.

Why it matters: these projects will reshape multiple school sites and are funded from previously authorized capital resources; the land-development and financial-security approvals are necessary steps to obtain building permits and begin scheduled construction phases.

Next steps and timeline highlights provided in the update: - Reesville: footings and masonry in place; interior slabs to be poured in the coming weeks. - North Brandywine / new elementary: schematic design complete; design development through July; bid packages targeted for late 2025; construction March 2026'August 2028; campus restoration in 2029. - Scott Middle School: generator installed; interior finish phases scheduled for spring break and summer with substantial completion targeted mid-August. - King's Highway: design-development materials expected in April; focus on five added classrooms, modular removal and secure front entry; utilities/water/septic planning ongoing.

Public comment submitted to the board asked whether geothermal or other green-energy options had been considered for the new construction and urged the district to evaluate energy cost savings and tax-credit opportunities during design; district staff said engineers and designers are considering options as part of continuing design work.