Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Construction topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
East Greenwich council approves submission of 60% school construction documents amid budget shortfall
Summary
The council voted to submit 60% construction documents for the district’s school projects to RIDE for review while staff and consultants outlined a roughly $2.65 million overage from budget targets and a plan of alternates, contingencies and staged buyouts to bring the project back in line.
The East Greenwich Town Council voted Tuesday to submit the 60% construction documents for the district’s school projects to the Rhode Island Department of Education, even as consultants reported the estimate remains above the town’s $160 million target and outlined steps to close the gap.
Town Manager Andrew Nada and the construction team briefed the council on schedule, scope and budget. Consultants told the council the 60% design submission is the last RIDE approval needed before the town can proceed toward a guaranteed maximum price and construction mobilization next January.
Project staff described design refinements for East Greenwich High School and the two new elementary schools (Frenchtown and Hannaford) and said the estimated 60% construction‑document cost currently shows an overage. The team identified about $1 million in value‑management opportunities and $3 million held in unallocated design and pricing contingency, and said they are pursuing buyout sequencing and alternates to preserve the project’s core program.
"We have a path right there to budget," the project director said, describing bid strategies, alternates and phased buyouts meant to preserve essential program elements while deferring non‑essential items if needed.
The council unanimously approved the motion to submit the 60% CDs to RIDE for review and approval (motion carries 5–0). The council also approved related actions presented by the school construction committee: a contract amendment for required historic‑resource archival documentation tied to RIDE reimbursement for demolition and a redistricting/enrollment study contract.
The historic documentation requirement arises from the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission, which found the existing Frenchtown and Hannaford buildings eligible for historic review; consultants recommended hiring a specialist to prepare a Historic American Buildings Survey–style archive so demolition can proceed and the town can remain eligible for partial RIDE reimbursement.
Separately, council approved a redistricting contract (Cropper GIS) not to exceed $79,000 to support updated enrollment and boundary scenarios as school configurations change.
Councilors and project staff said they expect to return next month with subcontractor procurement recommendations and more definitive pricing on major trades that will further refine the budget position.
The motion to submit the 60% CDs to RIDE passed 5–0; council authorized the supplemental historic documentation contract and the redistricting contract as presented.
