Bond work advancing at Rockport-Fulton; board approves middle-school access-control purchase

Rockport — The Rockport-Fulton Independent School District on Monday received a progress update on its 2022 bond projects and approved a bond-funded purchase to replace keyed doors with badge-access hardware at the middle school.

Architect and contractor representatives told trustees the new Rockport-Fulton High School is nearing the finish line. “Project billing is 86% complete, authorized $33.56 of the $39,240,000,” a presenter said, and added that substantial completion is scheduled for February. Builders described recent work as final finishes, floor waxing, punch-list inspections and canopy installation around the main entrance.

Teal Construction and Claycomb Architects emphasized a push to make classrooms move-in ready: “We are pushing towards getting kids in those classrooms,” a contractor said, noting furniture is already arriving and some rooms are in final cleaning and waxing.

Trustees then discussed a separate bond-funded safety purchase for the middle school. Mike Nowotny, who presented the access-control proposal, said the recommended turnkey quote is $397,027 and replaces keyed doors across classrooms, offices and select mechanical and network closets with badge-access hardware. He noted earlier vendor bids had been as high as approximately $1 million before the district identified cost-saving options.

Board members questioned why the motion capped the purchase at $500,000 when the low quote was $397,027. Nowotny said the higher cap was intended as a buffer in case additional doors or unexpected issues appear once installers begin work. Trustees also confirmed that any additions exceeding $50,000 would be brought back to the board for approval.

Trustee Burton moved to approve the access-control hardware and installation “not to exceed $500,000” to be paid from Bond 2022 funds; the motion was seconded by Trustee Yarnell and passed unanimously, 6-0.

Why it matters: The access-control purchase is part of the bond’s safety upgrades and dovetails with the district’s priorities to modernize aging classrooms and improve campus security before student occupancy. District officials said the high school work and safety upgrades aim to reduce risks that previously required students to walk across unsecured parking areas.

What’s next: Architects said remaining inspections and punch-list items are scheduled in the coming weeks to prepare for occupancy; the board directed staff to bring any significant contract changes back to the bond committee or the full board as required.

Budget and procurement details: The presenter identified the overall bond authorization for the high school as $39,240,000 and reported project billing at 86%. The access-control vendor’s turnkey quote is $397,027; trustees approved a not-to-exceed authorization of $500,000 from Bond 2022 funds with the expectation that the vendor price should remain at or near the quoted amount unless the board chooses to add scope.