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Capital‑programs report: 40 summer projects, ongoing major school builds and a need to reassess phase‑2 timing
Summary
Capital‑programs staff reported roughly 40 summer projects across 13 facilities and progress on multiple major new‑school builds; staff warned that costs since the 2019 bond require a board study session to reconsider the timing and scope of phase 2 work.
Capital‑programs staff presented a fall update to the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education on Sept. 17, summarizing summer work and the status of major construction projects.
Mister Bing reported the district completed roughly 40 projects at 13 school facilities over 73 days, not counting five major projects still under construction. "This volume of work, combined with the scale and scope of the efforts, was an extremely challenging endeavor given the constraints around a number of working days, persistent supply‑chain challenges, tariffs, uncertainties, and some wet weather events that led to some pauses and delays," he said.
Staff walked trustees through examples of completed summer work—HVAC and lighting upgrades, roofing, paving, restroom work, flooring and stage/theater rigging—at multiple sites including Abbott Elementary, Community High School, Clague, Clegg and Forsyth Middle School, Pittsfield Elementary and Scarlet Middle School. They also reported progress on major projects: geothermal drilling and site work at the new Dickin Elementary School; foundation and pad work at the new Logan Elementary site; elevator and stair towers at the new Mitchell project; Slauson pool demolition and backfill; and initial foundation work at the new Thurston Elementary.
The capital team emphasized sustainability investments such as rooftop solar arrays and electric‑bus charging infrastructure; staff noted a planned relocation of the district’s Network Operations Center to property adjacent to the transportation center.
On finance, staff said the capital financial report is cut off as of June 30 and explained fund‑by‑fund reporting. They cautioned that the 2019 bond assumptions do not match current costs and that the sinking fund has not kept pace with rising expenses. Staff proposed a study session so trustees can discuss whether phase 2 timing or scope needs adjustment. "We're gonna have to probably look at the timing of those things," one presenter said, adding that board input will be sought before any changes.
Staff said audited materials for the 2024–25 annual capital report will be presented once the audit is complete. Several upcoming bid recommendations and envelope/elevator projects were flagged for future board action.
