Taos High auxiliary gym nearing completion; board hears progress, soft‑costs and parking concerns

Taos Municipal Schools board members were updated Feb. 11 on construction progress at the Taos High auxiliary gym.

Project manager Frederick Sesteros said the exterior work is finished and crews are finishing interior tasks—sheetrock, restrooms, locker rooms, and HVAC—with a contract completion date around April 7 and no anticipated change orders. He estimated remaining soft costs for furnishings and athletic equipment at about $300,000 (he had earlier estimated $360,000 but said $300,000 is a comfortable contingency).

Board members praised the project's oversight and noted the absence of change orders as evidence of active project management. Trustees discussed whether soft costs should be incorporated into the building budget versus paying for parking‑lot improvements separately; Vice President Spray suggested prioritizing building soft costs and seeking alternative funding sources for a full campus parking refresh. Director Herrera and operations staff said they are obtaining quotes for parking repairs and will pursue funding options.

Sesteros said the contract value was approximately $4.2 million and that pay‑application tracking shows about 76% completion and payout to date. The board asked staff to present a prioritized list of remaining items and to coordinate a walkthrough for trustees before the ribbon‑cutting. Director Herrera noted that lien releases and final closeout documentation will be completed prior to final payment.

Next steps: staff will continue construction oversight, return with a detailed soft‑costs budget and procurement plan for remaining furnishings, and provide scheduling for a trustee walkthrough prior to the targeted spring completion.