Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Board approves $7.73 million amendment for Fruitland Intermediate HVAC project
Loading...
Summary
The Wicomico County Board of Education approved a $7,733,624.25 guaranteed maximum price amendment to Schiable Construction to replace the Fruitland Intermediate HVAC system; board heard that local subcontractors account for about 88% of the GMP and construction is expected to begin in June with completion slated for August 2027.
The Wicomico County Board of Education voted to approve a $7,733,624.25 amendment to the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for the Fruitland Intermediate HVAC project, authorizing Schiable Construction to incorporate the GMP and related alternates into its contract.
Dr. Reger presented the recommendation and said the GMP covers 10 bid packages, includes six accepted alternates totaling $818,347 (including a full fire suppression and sprinkler system), and reported strong local participation from HVAC subcontractors—about 88% of the GMP. Staff said the project will be submitted to the Maryland State Department of Education for approval this week, with construction slated to begin in June and an anticipated completion date in August 2027.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the project's history and cost. One board member said the price ‘‘sounds exorbitant’’ given prior renovations in the 1990s; Dr. Reger responded that the work is a full HVAC renovation that also includes the alternates and that the bid came in lower than the original budget. The board then moved to a roll-call vote; named members ("Mister Palmer," "Missus Hazel," "Mister Plots," "Mister Brown," "Doctor Ennis") and the chair recorded affirmative votes and the motion carried.
The board did not discuss contract financial details beyond the GMP and alternates during the public portion of the session. Staff noted the item had been reviewed in detail with the School Building Commission on March 26, 2026. Construction timing, subcontractor participation, and MSDE submission were stated as the key next steps.
The board carried the motion and staff will proceed with the MSDE submission and the contractor's schedule for summer mobilization.
