Okaloosa board hears wide-ranging construction program update, scheduling GMPs and roofing work
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Summary
District construction staff updated the Okaloosa County School Board on dozens of active task orders ranging from cafeteria conversions and roofing to stadium repairs and HVAC projects; several guaranteed maximum price (GMP) submittals and spring/summer schedules were noted.
District construction staff provided the board with a detailed status report on active projects funded largely through district sales tax construction programs.
The presenter walked through multiple task orders: demolition and cafeteria conversions (Ruckle, Plew), roofing replacements at Plew and Kenwood slated to start March 26, and district-wide stadium repairs and audio system replacements for Choctaw and Fort Walton. "Task order 12: Rockwell demolition work has begun and Plew demolition is complete," the presenter reported. For several conversions of cafetoriums to classrooms, the presenter said design and review are ongoing with expected GMP submittals in March.
Major projects in task order 35 include Baker (project complete, ribbon cutting scheduled for the 20th), Destin Middle School (roofing and interior work in progress, playground complete), and Pine View (close to roofing completion, interior work ongoing). The board was told that some projects remain in warranty review before final closeout, and that certain projects (for example, a planned sewage treatment facility) are on hold pending funding: "We have that designed, but the cost of that project is… and we're just not there yet," the presenter said.
Other highlights included HVAC projects expected to move forward with a GMP at the next meeting, near-complete band and performing arts renovations at Crestview High School, paving projects with a Crestview phase 3 GMP expected in March 2026, and a master plan target date of May 2026 for Okaloosa Technical College. Several schedule points referenced spring break and graduations as timing constraints for construction windows.
Board members asked specific questions about signage, classroom counts resulting from cafeteria conversions, and audio systems for graduation season; presenters confirmed material orders and sequencing intended to meet those near-term events. The construction report concluded without formal board action; several items noted upcoming GMPs or budget approvals to return for future meetings.