Board approves change orders and contractor payouts as J.H. Lee K–8 nears completion

The Pender County Schools board unanimously approved construction change orders and contractor payments for the new J.H. Lee K–8 project during its April 14 meeting.

Mr. Murphy of MVP presented the current pay application for approval, saying the pay app totaled $4,813,584.28 and represented about 52% of the contract. "The schedule is showing 36 days early finish," Murphy said, and recommended five project change orders (PCOs), noting that none increase the guaranteed maximum price and that two PCOs would credit roughly $196,862 and $9,774 back to the owner contingency. The board approved the payout and the PCOs by unanimous voice vote.

Construction managers reported multiple milestones: the site is largely dry from a roofing standpoint, windows and metal wall panels are being installed, ballfield topsoil spreading is more than halfway complete, transformers and the main distribution panel are in place, and chillers and generators have been set. "We are 13 months now to substantial completion," project presenter Mr. Warren said, and the team still plans a substantial-completion target of May 27 with final completion in July.

Project leaders described next steps that will affect public access and budgets: off-site sewer work to U.S. 17 has begun selective clearing, the county is preparing a pre-bid for required road-widening and signaling work, and staff plan to present a proposal for connecting canopies (an allowance of about $355,000 was discussed) at the May board meeting. Board members also reviewed a conceptual elevated boardwalk through a wetland area; designers and contractors gave preliminary cost ranges (one contractor priced a larger scheme at about $1.4 million, while planners said a reduced-scope estimate could be roughly $700,000–$900,000), and trustees asked staff to return for a formal decision before directing resources.

On budget details, presenters said the design-build contingency use remains low (about 2%) and owner contingency use about 2.7%. Presenters said the team is reallocating allowances, planning to fund initial road-widening costs from owner contingency with the expectation of later reimbursement so bond capital remains available for other needs.

Board members thanked construction staff for the work and noted the project is advancing faster than expected. The actions approved at the meeting included the change orders, MVP pay application number seven and Bordeaux payout number 21; each passed on unanimous voice votes.

The board will see the canopies proposal at the May meeting and continue to monitor off-site sewer and DOT road-widening procurement as the district prepares for school opening and site work completion.