Central Falls high school nears turnover as change orders, contingency and separate track bid move forward

Central Falls — The School Building Committee heard progress reports Tuesday that Central Falls High School is in the final stretch of construction, with millwork, lighting and painting substantially complete in classrooms and the gymnasium and auditorium advancing toward turnover.

Erica, the owner’s project manager for the district, said classroom finishes are installed and that “the gymnasium now is substantially complete” and that kitchen equipment and terrace pavers have been installed. She added that signage — including a Central Falls logo and blue signage — is being mounted on the building exterior.

The update included financial and procurement details. Erica reported change order 13 for $112,231.24 and a separate technology change order to E Plus for $149,308.15; she said the construction work under change order 13 was charged to construction contingency so there is “no impact to the bottom line.” She said owner construction contingency utilization is being held at about 47 percent as change orders are approved or remain under review.

The committee also heard that the district and design team plan to bid the track-and-field replacement as a separate project so specialists in that scope can be selected rather than awarding it under the general-contractor contract. Erica said that approach was recommended after discussions with the design team and ownership and that bids will determine the final contractor.

For a complex retaining wall that affects adjacent private property and track construction, the committee was told the team is refining pricing and scope with contractor BRAIT and expects to present a final change order next month. “We are expecting to have final pricing from BRAIT for that change order, ideally to present to you next month,” Erica said.

Erica said turnover coordination is underway with the superintendent, principal and other district leaders; vendors on site included Cox Cable, Groundworks and E Plus working with the district IT team. She said stakeholder tours have included the athletic director and IT staff as the team prepares for turnover.

Clarifying details discussed during the update included the district’s MBE/WBE participation, which Erica said remains at 14 percent, and that the OPM drew from construction contingency for recent change orders. The presentation did not include a revised project completion date.

The committee did not take a formal vote specific to the high school update beyond routine approvals elsewhere on the agenda.