Norwood building committee approves invoices, several change orders and rejects gym‑floor claim

BRIDAL SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE — NORWOOD — Feb. 9, 2026 — The Bridal School Building Committee heard a broad project update and approved a series of invoices and change orders while rejecting a contractor claim related to gym‑floor repairs.

Speaker 6, presenting the project update, told the committee the rebuild is tracking favorably against the 2022 town meeting objectives: estimated project costs were originally put at $150 million and the team now projects a final cost just over $140 million. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) facility grant was discussed — originally cited at roughly $46 million and later raised in a 2024 amendment to about $52 million — and the project team said final MSBA reimbursement will depend on the MSBA's final audit. Speaker 6 said the team is targeting the 10‑month commissioning walkthrough in June and a gym‑floor rescreen and recoating in August to complete punch‑list work prior to the next school year.

While the budget outlook was described as “overall positive,” staff reviewed a long list of warranty and punch‑list items that remain open. Speaker 6 reported three minor roof leaks detected in December and January (locations: fourth‑floor outside a classroom near room 453, the gym entry, and a stairwell). The team intends to reinspect and recertify the roof after spring thaw; Speaker 9 committed to provide…