Kiski Area SD construction update: district flags mid‑March completion, orders independent inspection option after water infiltration

Jason Day, the district’s construction manager, told the Kiski Area School District board that the general contractor’s most recent schedule shows an overall project completion target in mid‑March, a slip from the original contract date. He said portions of the building (classroom areas and some MEP work) are ahead of that timetable while the Area B kitchen remains behind, and that completion will likely be phased as spaces finish at different times.

Board members asked for clearer cost tracking tied to the original contract and requested the schedule be presented with line items grouped by month so the district can isolate expenses that extend past the original completion date. Day said most scheduling software can sort by area and activity and that he would request a grouped report from the contractor.

The board raised repeated concerns about communication and repeated schedule pushes from the general contractor (named inconsistently in the transcript). Members pressed administration about possible cost impacts if the contractor exceeds the December 10 contractual date for substantial completion; administration said it is collecting costs from prime contractors and subcontractors to quantify any damages and will involve the solicitor as necessary.

Separately, board members and administrators discussed water infiltration that damaged drywall, insulation and ductwork in a central portion of the building. Day said the general contractor will arrange a third‑party inspection (possibly the next day) and offered that the district could commission an independent environmental firm to cross‑check results. Board members asked for pricing and emphasized the value of an independent report so findings cannot be discounted as contractor‑biased. Administration said it would gather recommendations and pricing for an independent assessment and return with options.

Day also described visible progress at the site: windows and rooftop HVAC units installed, corridor ceiling framing in place, bathrooms tiled, sidewalks and landscaping underway, and a small change order for about 30 feet of chain‑link fence to address a steep area by the soccer field. He cautioned that paving remains weather‑dependent and could move into spring if cold conditions persist.

The board did not take a formal vote on contract actions during the information meeting. Next steps identified on the record included administration obtaining a month‑grouped schedule from the contractor, collecting subcontractor cost data to assess potential claims, and providing estimates for independent environmental testing if the third‑party inspection finds issues.