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District staff report JE Dunn substantial completion, contractor delays and security-install backlogs
Summary
District construction staff told the board JE Dunn reached substantial completion Aug. 23, 2024; liquidated damages will be calculated from that date. Security-system contractor Allied Universal missed schedules; the district plans supplemental crews and set an October deadline for completing outstanding installs.
District construction staff provided a broad update on bond-funded projects and contractor performance.
On the 2019 bond program, staff said JE Dunn achieved substantial completion on Aug. 23, 2024; "we have finally received a substantial completion from JE Dunn, that was achieved on August 23, 2024," the presenter said. The office will use that date to calculate liquidated damages on delayed work. Staff described multiple causes of earlier delays, including site-restoration issues, unexpected on-site conditions and regional labor shortages.
Board members asked whether penalties were imposed. Staff said liquidated damages were set at "$750 a day" and that total damages were now "ranging between 70 to $80" (thousand), and that they are working to enforce those damages where warranted.
Security-system installs (cameras, access control and intrusion alarms) by Allied Universal fell behind schedule across many schools. Staff said the district prioritized sites that posed immediate safety concerns and has been supplementing work with outside crews — including teams brought in from other states — to speed completion. "We have told them that we need to have this work done by the end of October," staff said; if Allied Universal misses committed dates, staff said the district will require them to provide a firm schedule and pursue other contractual remedies.
Staff reported 30 project closeouts remain for the 2019 referendum and said they have completed about 200 financial commitments to date. The 2019 program budget was reported at $375,710,000 with paid and committed funds around $374,100,000 and approximately $1.6 million remaining available (including contingency) as of the end of August; staff said they are tracking contingency activity and currently expect to come within budget.
For the 2023 referendum, staff said May River Elementary is nearing a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) from Thomas & Turner and could appear before the board in October; schematics and site surveys are in progress for other projects.
Board members pressed procurement and contract-term changes. Staff said lessons learned from the 2019 program are informing the 2023 approach: the district is implementing pilots, tighter schedules, and clearer liquidated-damage clauses in upcoming agreements.
No formal board action was taken; the update was informational and staff said they will return with schedules and procurement updates as they are finalized.
