Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Construction topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Middletown school project remains on target at $190 million; $20 million in extra improvements possible if funded
Summary
Town Administrator and project managers reported the consolidated school project remains on schedule (opening 2027) and on an authorized budget of roughly $190 million. The town continues to carry a construction contingency and is pursuing possible additional $20 million of eligible improvements contingent on finding revenue sources.
Town Administrator Sean Brown briefed the council on the status of Middletown’s consolidated school construction program, reporting the project remains on schedule and within the voter‑authorized budget.
Brown said the overall budget presented to voters remains $190 million and that project managers (Colliers and the design/construction teams) continue routine reconciliation of contractor estimates with architect budgets. The town is carrying a project contingency (reported as $13 million) and staff said they expect 100% construction documents in spring 2025, with school occupancy anticipated in September 2027.
Brown provided a budget breakdown used by the school building committee: total construction (building construction, demolition and escalation) estimated at about $144.2 million; furniture, fixtures and equipment estimated roughly $5.6 million; and site, utilities, and other fees approximately $27.2 million. The totals in the committee’s materials produced an anticipated project cost near $177 million with a carried project contingency to manage risks as construction bids and reconciliations proceed.
The town also identified a separate $20 million category of additional capital work that could be pursued and reimbursed at a higher state reimbursement rate (the town said 55% eligibility is possible for certain additional projects tied to the school work). Those add‑ons are contingent on identifying revenue sources and meeting state reimbursement rules; Brown cited example uses such as emergency repairs and an eligible land purchase that could qualify for reimbursement.
Brown said a special planning board meeting is scheduled for February 26 to approve the project’s preliminary plan and that key reconciliation milestones for contractor estimates are set for late January. He urged the public and councilors to consult the school building committee’s monthly budget updates, which are posted online and discussed at committee meetings.
