District cites weather-related delay on modular classrooms; may switch from asphalt to concrete

Superintendent John Stott told the Berkshire Local Board of Education that work on the district's modular classrooms has been delayed by weather and that the district is weighing a change order to switch from asphalt to concrete for ramp work.

"It's gonna be way too cold to do that now," Stott said of the planned asphalt pour. He explained the district may "pivot and potentially do a concrete pour instead because it can be poured" in colder conditions. Stott added, "If we don't, then we'll have to delay to the spring." He said using concrete would cost more but would allow the district to proceed in January instead of waiting until spring.

Stott outlined the revised schedule: finish interior work (plumbing, electrical, fire alarms) by the end of the week, begin ramp-related concrete work around the 20th, and aim for move-in in early January rather than after spring break. In the interim, the district will continue to use Kent State rooms for instruction until the modular units are ready.

Board members asked for clarification about timing and the capital-projects funding tied to the change order; the chair noted the transfer to the capital projects fund would account for the modular units work. The board did not vote to authorize the change order at the meeting; Stott described the timeline and the potential budgetary impact.