Board hears construction progress on Southern Gap school, approves invoices and seeks $250,000 from supervisors
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Summary
A contractor update said the Southern Gap school is largely enclosed and on schedule; the board approved a $91,500 invoice, a ~$45,000 equipment purchase and a $23,000 credit change order, and agreed to request up to $250,000 from county supervisors for uniforms and equipment.
The Buchanan County School Board on Jan. 14 received a detailed construction update on the new Southern Gap school and approved related procurement items and funding requests.
A contractor representative (presented during the meeting as the "Sansco" update) told the board the building is largely enclosed, roofs are installed, drywall and metal panels are underway, and substantial site work (curb and gutter, retaining walls and athletic areas) remains. The representative said crews have been working weekends and estimated roughly 150—6175 workers on site. "We will open on time," the representative told the board, and later described the project as "the fastest school they've ever seen go up of this size." (Direct quotes as spoken in the meeting transcription.)
On procurements tied to the project, administration asked the board to approve three items: a $91,500 invoice to the Industrial Development Authority for stormwater management services, purchase of a commercial washer and dryer package (approximately $45,000), and change order #12 to the building contractor (a credit around $23,000). The motion to approve these three items passed by board vote.
Separately, administration requested permission to approach the county Board of Supervisors for up to $250,000 to purchase uniforms and equipment for the new school and to deposit those funds into the athletic account as presented. Board members discussed whether some items were general equipment rather than strictly athletic; the motion to seek the $250,000 from supervisors carried on voice vote with one abstention recorded.
Board members asked clarifying questions about project timing, AEP electrical connections and sequencing for bleachers and windows. The board received a short video and photographic update of the site; administration noted remaining work includes window installation, completion of retaining walls, installation of bleachers, and final asphalt once weather permits.
Next steps include administrative follow-up on the approved invoice and equipment purchases and a formal request to the Board of Supervisors for the $250,000 appropriation for the new school's equipment needs.