District bond projects: elementary footings, service center ahead of schedule, high school renovations planned
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Summary
Officials reported foundation work, upcoming masonry and steel phases for the new Gardner Elementary, service center foundations underway and ahead of schedule, playground renovations slated for summer, and planned high school kitchen and 'Trails Building' renovations.
District construction partners gave a progress update on bond projects at the Jan. 12 board meeting, reporting that foundation work is underway at the new Gardner Elementary and that a service center project is slightly ahead of schedule.
Branson Coker, project manager with Newkirk Novak, said recent earthwork has set building pads and that footings, underground plumbing and electrical work are in progress; masonry activity and steel erection are anticipated in February–March. Coker said the elementary project remains on track for an opening in 2027.
The service center project, Coker reported, is a few weeks ahead of schedule with foundations recently started, and that the building’s vertical construction (steel) is expected in March with a 2026 completion target. Shelley from the DLR Group described design work on the high school kitchen renovation and common‑area refresh, as well as a Trails Building addition to add classrooms and expand parking; DLR said early equipment procurement is planned to meet summer construction schedules.
Presenters also said playground renovations at elementary and middle schools are on track and equipment orders have been placed for summer installation. Board members were invited to follow construction updates on the district website and thanked staff members leading coordination with the city and vendors.
No formal board action was required on the update; contractors and architects will return with procurement and schedule updates as projects move into the next phases.