Board hears progress on school capital projects, discusses Brevard High gym scope and bleachers

Transylvania County Board of Education members on Nov. 17 received a detailed update on the district's education capital projects and pressed staff for clearer budget transparency on ongoing work, notably at Brevard High School.

Allison, who presented the monthly capital-project report, said roofing work at Brevard High School'including TPO roofing and an installed air-cleaning unit'is substantially complete for the first scope, though perimeter metal trim, gutters and finishing work remain. She told the board that the construction manager at risk (CMAR) expects to submit pricing for schematic-design drawings the week of Dec. 8 and that any scope changes within the interlocal agreement would be considered by a subcommittee in January.

"The EC wing timeline for substantial completion is now projected to be in December, but may change depending on HVAC options selected," Allison said, describing that HVAC replacements and other interior work could affect the timeline. She added that the contractor must address punch-list items and warranty work for one year following turnover.

Board members repeatedly asked how project spending maps to the status report. One member asked, "What was the projected budget? How much of the budget has been spent? What's remaining to be spent?" Jamie (finance staff) replied the district provides monthly budget reports to the finance director and superintendent and said, "we remain in budget for all the projects," adding that any amendments would come back to both the Board of Education and the Board of Commissioners.

Members also pressed about the Brevard High gym floor and removed bleachers. A board member noted concern that bleachers removed during work might not be reinstalled; Allison confirmed the contractor had removed some items and placed them in storage and said, "FF&E is not included in renovation projects. FF&E has to be funded through your normal FF&E resources." She noted the district had approved about $860,000 in FF&E requests this year.

Board members raised technical questions about roofing installation details, including the absence of ribs at seams. Staff responded that plans were designed by sealed architects, reviewed by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) where applicable, and installed per approved submittals; "the architect takes liability for any errors and omissions," staff said.

The board asked for clearer reporting and comparison tools so members can track project scope, expenditures and percent complete; staff said the CMAR pricing and updated schedules would be available soon and that the district and county are coordinating on project timing to maximize summer work when school is out.