Erie High construction wrapping up; Edison set for midyear move as district buys long-lead electrical gear

The district’s construction director gave a multi-site update and explained an equipment-purchase strategy to avoid utility delays.

John Harkins said the "final phases of Erie High are coming to completion, and we should have contractors out of that building actually by the end of this month," marking the end of a nearly five-year, roughly $84 million construction program. Contractors were finishing south-side HVAC work and final punch-list items. Harkins said Edison is on track for a February completion and the district is planning a midyear relocation (targeting the spring break period) so demolition and site work can proceed on the old Edison site without contractors on school property at the start of the following school year.

Harkins described the district’s procurement approach for large electrical equipment: the board has an award-of-bids item to purchase the main switchgear for Grover Cleveland now rather than include it in a later electrical-contract bid. He said manufacturers’ lead times for switchgear can reach 40 weeks, so early purchase ensures the equipment will be on site when contractors are ready. He said a similar purchase for Strong Vincent will follow.

Harkins said after design and field studies for Grover Cleveland and Strong Vincent, East Middle School would next move up on the district facilities list for renovations; architects will present findings and cost estimates when ready. He also described a planned phasing schedule for parking-lot repaving at Edison to avoid shutting down all parking at once.

No vote was taken on construction policy at the meeting; Harkins said specific bid awards and schedules will appear on future agendas as procurement actions are finalized.