Coakley Middle School punch list continues; committee rejects contested gym-floor payment

District and town officials told the school committee that Coakley Middle School is open but still undergoing punch-list work following occupancy, and that several items — including gym-floor repairs — remain unresolved.

Facilities staff described a multi-phase response to defects in the gym floor, including third-party review and additional sanding and refinishing. The contractor performed work "under protest," meaning it can later request additional funds; MSBC members said they rejected an $88,531 payment tied to that work at the time of the meeting and asked for a final rescreening and resanding to confirm long-term durability.

Dr. Luff told the committee that the problematic work traces back to the subcontractor’s initial boring for volleyball sleeves, which used excess water and led to buckling. A third party recommended a larger fix than the contractor’s first proposal; the contractor completed more extensive work, and the district is waiting to see whether the floor will continue to show small polyurethane "poly balls" when warmer weather returns.

Committee members also reviewed other punch-list items, such as kitchen testing, pipe access and final adjustments to HVAC and electrical systems. Officials said some items are weather-dependent and expected to be addressed during February break and into the summer; they estimated conservatively that $7 million to $9 million would remain in project contingencies and encumbrances as punch-list work proceeds.

MSBC members said they were satisfied with most contractor responses but withheld approval of the disputed gym-floor payment until the final review. The district will monitor the floor over the coming months and revisit payment if the contractor provides acceptable evidence of a lasting repair.