Referendum projects advance; Colliers and district outline timelines, historic-review requirements and procurement steps

The Haddonfield School District and Colliers presented an update on referendum project design, value engineering and procurement timelines, telling the board the campaign of renovations and additions is moving from schematic design into design development and preconstruction engagement.

Presenter "Lan" (project lead) said the district is formalizing a more robust front-end engagement process so the board and staff can review scope and budget earlier in design development. Colliers is reviewing schematic designs and providing financial analysis of a high-school interior renovation; the district expects a cost-input review from Collierspartner Rich Brown and his team soon.

Several individual projects were discussed. The 1890s building is nearing design-development completion but will require review by the historic-preservation commission for exterior work. The project includes a platform lift to reconcile a roughly two-foot floor elevation difference between the 1890 building and the adjacent Central building.

Lan said turf-field demolition is complete and survey work has started; that data will feed the field design. On elementary additions, the Tatum addition and the Hatton addition remain on a timeline that aims for design development completion in July with an intent to bid by late fall; long lead times and market uncertainty were cited as reasons to bid early.

Several projects will go to the Haddonfield historic-preservation board for review because proposed exterior changes fall under its jurisdiction; Lan said the district engaged an architect who specializes in historic work to smooth that process. A wing/window replacement for A wing (which is historically reviewed) and C wing (not subject to the same review) were discussed.

The middle-school auditorium review is with Colliers and the district expects their comments imminently; if budget alignment is confirmed, that project can move to bid. The Haddon Library wing alterations will begin demolition on June 24, Lan said, and flooring replacement in several buildings is scheduled for summer; the district warned installation in the A-wing gym could extend into September in a worst-case scenario.

Stadium ADA work was described as centered on a platform lift to avoid an impractical long ramp. Lan said the platform lift will create an accessible connection to the concourse, add ADA seating, and is moving through critical submittals. She said Colliers is also advising on clustering construction packages to increase market competitiveness and reduce trade minimums.

Lan said procurement decisions (cooperative vendors, theatrical lighting, auditorium seating) are pending final quotes; the update packet shared with the board will show subtle changes in yellow and function as a living document for the program. Board members praised the frequent biweekly outlines and asked to be engaged earlier in the design-development phase.

No formal board vote was requested during the update; the presentation emphasized schedule transparency and early cost alignment as the board prepares for multiple mid- and long-term construction activities.