Groton‑Dunstable building committee authorizes chair to approve winter invoices as school moves to closeout

The Groton‑Dunstable Regional School District Building Committee voted unanimously on Nov. 14, 2024 to authorize the committee chair to approve monthly invoice packages during the winter months and to suspend the committee’s regular monthly meetings while the new school enters final closeout.

Committee members agreed the change was appropriate because major on‑site work is pausing for the season. Jonathan May of construction manager Gilbane told the committee that Gilbane is moving out of its on‑site office and that only finish work such as landscaping and a small set of outstanding items will continue into the spring. He reported that roughly 22 of 42 trades are closed (about 52%), 1,581 of 1,615 punch‑list items have been closed (98%) leaving 34 items outstanding, and 192 of 229 commissioning items are closed (84%). May said 18 items remain open and 19 are pending NV5 review.

The motion to authorize the chair to sign invoice packages and suspend monthly meetings was proposed by a committee member and seconded by another member; the committee then conducted a roll call and recorded unanimous approval. Committee members asked that the invoice packets continue to be circulated to the full committee in advance so that any member may raise questions; staff agreed to keep the committee informed by distributing the monthly invoices and resolving any questions that arise.

Members also discussed public access before the formal ribbon cutting. One member told the committee that several residents had called asking to tour the building and suggested an open‑house event during the school winter break or an evening open house. The committee asked staff to work with school personnel and town staff to schedule an appropriate time and to combine any visit with other school events where feasible.

Committee members and attendees offered public thanks to the project team. Speakers singled out Gilbane and Studio G and praised the new playground and facilities. The committee said it plans a formal ribbon cutting in the spring and will circulate invitations when a date is set.

On a related note during the meeting a participant referenced the project budget in passing, asking where “$75,000,000” in spending had gone; committee members replied by pointing to the completed building, site work still under way, and the final closeout paperwork. The committee did not change any previously authorized budgets during the session.

Next steps: staff will continue to circulate invoice packages to committee members, the chair (with one other designated approver) will sign invoices through the winter months, and landscaping and remaining closeout work will continue into spring ahead of a planned ribbon cutting and community events.