Construction update: cube at Brownell Homes on track; ESSER projects near completion

Clark Construction gave the board a construction progress update on the Brownell Homes cube and other ESSER‑funded modernization work.

Clark Construction project lead Dan Metner (introduced in the presentation) said the cube is approximately 5,000 square feet per floor — about 10,000 square feet total — and showed photos of the connector, elevator shaft and gross motor room under masonry construction. He told the board masonry for the connector and gross‑motor room was on track to be wrapped up by Jan. 25 (weather dependent), with structural steel erection starting Jan. 27 and glazing (curtain wall glass) to follow in April. Clark’s current overall completion target for the cube is Sept. 5, 2025.

Trustees asked about materials and vandalism risk. Metner explained the cube’s exterior glass is a curtain‑wall structural glass (not simple plexiglass) that is more resistant to casual vandalism, but acknowledged extreme forces (bullets, etc.) would still damage glass. Trustees also discussed whether a more impact‑resistant option should be considered and asked staff to check whether a shatterproof glass option was available and what that would cost.

The presentation also covered playground and field work at the Brownell‑related Brownell Homes campus: two playgrounds and athletic surfacing were completed and turned over for use; some punch‑list landscaping and one non‑safety‑critical damaged equipment piece will be replaced in spring 2025.

Metner noted masonry crews paused work for two very cold days because mortar curing at sub‑zero temperatures risks cracking. He said crews will work weekends as needed to meet the schedule; steel erection was scheduled to begin as planned.

District staff updated the board on ESSER projects elsewhere: roof replacements at Potter and DTM were complete (certificates of completion submitted to the state), gym renovations and PA system upgrades have passed inspection at several schools, and other ESSER renovation work (including STEM spaces) is expected to be finished by summer 2025 — ahead of the ESSER extension deadline the district had filed for.

Board members asked whether any ESSER reimbursement was clawed back because buildings were closed; Clark Construction staff deferred to the district CFO and superintendent, and district staff replied that, with respect to construction, they were not aware of reimbursable amounts that needed to be returned. The superintendent said all construction dollars were spent on buildings that will continue to have students and that final reporting was underway.

The board also heard that union skilled trades are performing much of the work and that the district intends to continue coordinating neighborhood programming and community access to new facilities once completed.

No vote was required for the update.