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Construction on track; committee reviews FF&E bids and a February 2027 move plan
Summary
Committee members reported rapid progress on the new Whitman school, reviewed FF&E budgeting and bid timing, and discussed a two-step moving strategy aiming for staff training in December 2026 and a phased move during February 2027, with demolition of the old building following through May 2028.
Project staff told the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District building committee on March 1 that the new building is taking shape quickly and that many construction finishes will be completed from the top down over the coming months. Justin Ferdenzi, the owner’s project manager, described recent site work: "You'll see the finishes getting installed and then working way down towards the bottom floors... we took a peek at the auditorium... that's going to be coming into shape a little bit more, towards the spring."
The committee reviewed FF&E (furniture, fixtures & equipment) planning: staff reported a program total of $1,569,711.20 (about $2,200 over the current line item). Ferdenzi said sample sign-offs are nearly complete and the FF&E package will be put out to bid next week; if bids come in higher or lower, staff will report back with recommended adjustments or funding options.
On schedule, staff proposed FF&E procurement and delivery beginning in September, staff training in December 2026, and a phased move that would use February vacation for the bulk of physical moving. The planned timeline given to the committee shows moving-in targeted for February 2027, followed by demolition and site phase II work through May 15, 2028. The occupancy permit was expected in December, allowing training and punch-list work in the months before the move.
Committee members discussed logistics for packing and moving classroom materials, with options including two rounds of plastic bins and a moving company on the state bid list. An OPM representative said a likely workflow would be to distribute bins before the winter break, have movers relocate materials during February vacation, and then stagger unpacking and classroom setup after the move so teachers can acclimate to the new building.
Why it matters: The schedule establishes a practical window for staff training and student transition while minimizing disruptions to classes. FF&E procurement timing affects when furniture and technology will be in place ahead of staff training and student occupancy.
What’s next: Staff said they will issue the FF&E bid package, finalize sample approvals, and return to the committee with bid responses and any recommended budget adjustments.
