Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Laurel board hears renovation update; West on schedule, South bidding and abatement underway
Summary
The Laurel Public Schools board received a facilities update showing West renovation work on schedule and on budget, while South is entering public bidding and will require asbestos abatement before a projected late-September move-in, the owner’s representative said.
At a regular meeting of the Laurel Public Schools Board of Trustees, the district’s owner’s representative, Shane, reported steady progress on renovations at West and outlined upcoming work and bidding for the South project.
Shane said West is in the finishing stages — painting, ceiling and trim work, mechanical and plumbing installations, and kitchen equipment being set — and that furnishings (FF&E) bids came in on budget. “Our schedule we’re on schedule, looking good from that perspective,” he told trustees.
The update for South focused on the upcoming public bid and scope alternates. Shane said the district will advertise bids and seek board approval to award in April depending on alternate pricing; restroom alternates and locker removals are among items the board may decide to fund. He also advised trustees to expect asbestos abatement work concurrent with bidding and design.
When asked for a move-in estimate, Shane said a conservative timeline would put an occupancy late in the school year: “I would say late September,” he said, noting that abatement and the extent of any hazardous materials found could add a week or two to preparatory work. He described the core construction as “about a four-month project” once abatement and preparations begin.
The board also discussed contingencies: several trustees asked whether delayed equipment deliveries (switchgear) would hold up work; Shane said the team monitors deliveries weekly but did not expect long-term delays to the overall schedule. Chair noted the district appears to be “in pretty good shape” financially on the renovation items discussed.
Next steps identified were completing South construction documents for public advertisement, returning recommended alternates and an award recommendation to the board in an upcoming meeting, and coordinating teacher moves to minimize disruption once final timing is confirmed.
