Appoquinimink board approves Summit Campus design development documents; project moves to state review

The Appoquinimink School District board on Sept. 9 approved design development bid documents for the Summit Campus middle and high school, clearing the package to move to the state Department of Facilities Management for review and eventual bidding.

Architects from ABHA and representatives from Buck Siffer & Associates presented a site plan and floor plans showing a combined middle and high school with shared performing arts facilities, a three-story high school wing, a shared kitchen to reduce square footage and cost, and a stadium with an adjacent field house. Presenters said shared spaces and the design—s efficiency reduce overall square footage and expense.

Mr. Hopkins told the board site work for the project is out to bid and the project remains on budget and on schedule; he also noted some ongoing demolition at existing sites. During discussion board members asked how the state—s square-footage construction formula and rising material costs might affect the project. Architects and district staff said the formula and prior projects have required districts to request additional funding from the state in recent years and that Appoquinimink would engage the Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget if additional funding becomes necessary.

Board members said the Summit Campus project was funded by a referendum approved last year; the amount referenced in the meeting was $239 million for the project and presenters said the state typically covers about 77% of construction costs under the formula. District staff described the next steps: complete construction documents (the presenters estimated completion and board review in January), submit documents to the Department of Facilities Management for approval, then go out to bid in the spring.

The board moved to approve the design development documents on a motion by Mr. Higgins with a second from Ms. DeWitt; the motion passed by voice vote. The board also approved several small change orders tied to ongoing work (ledger adjustments and asbestos abatement), which district presenters said remain within project contingencies.

The approval advances a major capital project that the district said is intended to provide capacity and shared program spaces for future growth. DFM review and any subsequent state-authorized adjustments to project funding will determine whether additional board actions will be required before construction contracts are awarded.