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Pulaski County board approves $26 million GMP for Robinson High expansion
Summary
Board voted unanimously to approve a roughly $26 million guaranteed maximum price for Robinson High School construction, covering a three‑story classroom addition, band room, elevators and field restrooms; construction target completion October 2027.
The Pulaski County Special School District board on Tuesday approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of about $26,000,004.60 for the Robinson High School expansion, a measure board members unanimously passed after a presentation from the contractor and architect.
The GMP covers a three‑story classroom addition, a new band room with a storm shelter area, elevator installation and new restrooms at the softball and baseball fields. Bob Hansberry of Baldwin & Shell told the board the district already has paid roughly $1 million toward design and that an outstanding amount of about $400,000 for WER would be added to the contract total.
Board members were shown elements of the site plan and schedule. Contractors said the work will require significant site grading — raising the front buffer area between two and seven feet — and a tight laydown area for materials. The contractor estimated an aspirational calendar target of October 2027 for full demobilization, while noting actual timing could change for weather or other conditions. Construction will temporarily reduce parking on the site; the district will restore roughly 235 parking spaces when the project is complete, a small net increase over current use.
Members asked about traffic, parent drop‑off, and pedestrian access. The architects and contractor said the raised grade and reworked walkways are intended to restore safe pedestrian access to the main entrance once construction is finished. They also said using parking north of the building during construction was unsafe because it would route traffic through active construction zones.
The motion to approve the GMP was made and seconded on the board floor; the chair called the vote and said the motion passed 5‑0.
The approval clears the way for immediate contractor mobilization on the expansion work. The board packet shows the GMP as Baldwin & Shell Construction Co., with WR Architects responsible for design. The contractors said restrooms at the fields are on a separate, shorter track and were expected to be finished in February of the following year.
Robinson High community leaders and staff who spoke during the presentation praised the inclusion of a band room and the classroom expansion as long‑standing district priorities.
Construction and schedule details in the packet note the project is turnkey, includes elevators and permanent bleachers, and will be coordinated to limit disruptions where possible.
