Board approves $1.33 million contract for Northeast Middle/High replacement; construction updates presented

The Cecil County Public Schools board on Jan. 14 reviewed construction progress at multiple sites and approved a contract award for the Northeast Middle/High School replacement.

Superintendent Dr. Lawson showed images and described project components: a partial replacement of Elkton Middle School, boiler and roof work at the Administrative Services Building and a planned $4,000,000 HVAC replacement at Cecil Manor Elementary that could take more than a year. Lawson said the auditorium and instructional wings are taking shape, noted more than 100 workers on site and credited the county for freeing approximately $2.5 million to finish 12 classrooms that were not originally specified in the contract.

On a separate agenda item later in the meeting, Lawson recommended the board award the Northeast Middle High School replacement contract to Allen Myers Maryland, Inc., "in the amount of $1,325,777." The recommendation was moved, seconded and approved. Board members clarified funding: the payment is primarily from the capital improvement plan and the county will cover additions beyond the contract amount.

The superintendent also said the board is expected this summer to vote on widening Irishtown Road to four lanes to accommodate school access; Lawson noted that road widening was not in the original project and will be paid by the county. The board did not amend the vote on construction scope at the meeting beyond awarding the construction contract.

What’s next: Implementation moves forward under the awarded contract and staff said the board will see related funding and change orders as needed.