Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Watertown board hears $110 million capital‑project update; Phase 1a targets Ohio and Starbuck
Summary
District staff and consultants outlined an accelerated Phase 1a of a roughly $110 million multi‑phase capital program, focused on security vestibules, HVAC upgrades and site work at Ohio and Starbuck schools; Phase 1a was submitted to the state and could begin construction in April 2026 if approved.
Watertown City School District trustees were given an update on a multi‑phase capital program Friday that consultants said totals roughly $110,000,000 and is being accelerated so Phase 1a (Ohio and Starbuck schools) can begin construction in April 2026 if state approval arrives on schedule.
Consultants Jason and Michelle Pollard summarized the Phase 1a design and schedule, saying design development is complete and "Phase 1a is at the state waiting for approval." The board was told the team expects SED review comments in January and is eyeing bid openings in February and March, with mobilization in spring if reviews are favorable.
The Phase 1a scope includes new secure entry vestibules and main‑office renovations, a nurse suite, exterior site work (repaving, new lighting, sidewalk and curb replacement), classroom HVAC upgrades that replace window‑mounted unit ventilators with vertical, ducted units, LED lighting and ceiling replacement, upgraded fire‑alarm and data infrastructure, and, at Starbuck, a reconfigured cafeteria and kitchen created by lowering the existing stage.
Consultants said the accelerated schedule preserves the district’s maximum cost allowance and allows some work to proceed before a new building code change takes effect. They also described a standardization strategy — proposing a future board‑approved list of commonly used items (for example, door hardware, fire alarms and controls) to reduce long‑term maintenance costs and simplify procurement.
Staff described swing‑space logistics for the in‑school work, explaining that replacements such as large windows and rooftop units have long lead times and will require vacating a small number of classrooms at a time through the school year; in‑district modular trailers were considered but rejected as too costly and time‑consuming.
The consultants said Phase 1b — which will include the high school, Case, Riley and North — remains in design work and will follow Phase 1a, with substantial site work, HVAC conversions and toilet‑room renovations. Staff also noted coordination with FEMA for certain campus stormwater and flood‑mitigation work.
Next steps cited to the board were SED review, a February–March bid period if review is timely, and construction mobilization in spring 2026.
