Middle-school vertical construction starts; district reports $2 million in bid savings, vows low-voltage upgrades

District construction staff told the board that vertical construction has started at the new middle school and that abatement testing at the athletic complex has finished, clearing the way for demolition and site work.

A district representative described current activity: footings are being poured, reinforced walls are in place and contractors will soon begin the superstructure ("starting vertical construction"). Officials said a "topping off" ceremony will be scheduled later in the project. At the athletic complex, staff reported asbestos testing is complete and bids are being solicited for removal and subsequent site work.

Staff said the competitive bid process produced roughly $2 million in savings compared with earlier estimates. They proposed using about $1 million of that savings for low-voltage systems (cameras, access control, alarm systems and swipe-card classroom access) to improve security and reduce long-term energy costs. A construction advisory committee was formed for the middle school, Omaina project and the athletics project to help communicate timelines and correct misinformation.

Board members asked for information on minority-subcontractor participation and local hiring metrics; staff said contractors selected through the RFQ will report subcontractor usage and that Nav Holtz (owner representative) will provide a tracking update for the board.

No construction contract award votes were taken at the meeting; staff said procurement and subcontractor tracking information will be shared in a weekly construction report.