School board approves nearly $19 million amendment for 30‑classroom addition after heated debate

The Hernando County School Board voted 4–1 on March 11 to approve a second-amendment agreement with JE Dunn Construction Co. for construction of a 30‑classroom addition at the Winding Waters K‑8/Weeki Wachee High School campus, authorizing $18,989,952 in construction goods and services.

The measure drew extended debate about whether the district should proceed now or pause to pursue redistricting and other, less expensive options. Board member Hawkins, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said she had pulled the item specifically to explain why she would oppose it. "I had to pull this just so I could explain why I'm gonna vote no. That's how I feel," Hawkins said during the discussion.

Superintendent Pinder urged approval, arguing the district has limited options without abandoning roughly $2 million already spent on design and preconstruction work. "We are within that cost average for this … the board approved the original fee for this and we are already invested," Pinder said, adding district projections and nearby development support moving forward.

Board members pressing concerns cited the per‑classroom cost and large design fees that, they said, were higher than expected. During discussion members raised: the $1.6–$1.9 million shown in planning documents for architect/design fees; roughly $2 million already committed for precast structure and preconstruction services; and questions about whether enrollment declines or pending rezoning could change need for the space. One board member called the drawing fees "insane" and urged more conservative approaches; others said halting now would waste money already spent and leave the district short of seats as planned residential development continues.

District facilities staff explained the project budget was split across funding sources (including half‑cent local sales tax and ESSER federal relief dollars) and said the phased approach helped avoid returning unspent ESSER funds. Facilities director Brian Reagan explained design and warranty processes associated with multi‑phase projects and said the district performs a warranty inspection about one month before expiration.

The board approved the amendment 4–1; the minutes and roll call did not record names for mover and seconder. The approval authorizes the contractor to proceed under the revised agreement; the record shows the board intends to continue the previously approved phase‑1 work and proceed into the phase covered by the amendment.

The debate also included calls from several board members to revisit district redistricting and to evaluate whether the internal staffing or project‑management approach to school construction could be changed to reduce future costs. The superintendent and other members said staffing an in‑house engineering team would not be cost‑effective unless the district sustained a continuous, large construction program.

The board did not approve any change to the underlying redistricting process at the March 11 meeting; members said rezoning work remains a multi‑month process and staff will bring related studies back to workshops for further consideration.

Action: Approve second amendment to JE Dunn agreement for a 30‑classroom addition at Winding Waters K‑8/Weeki Wachee High School; authorized amount $18,989,952. Vote: 4 yes, 1 no; outcome: approved.