Board approves $64.7 million increase to Lindley Elementary project ordinance

The Guilford County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously May 20 to authorize staff to amend a Guilford County Schools project ordinance that increases the Lindley Elementary allocation by $64,748,767 and reallocates funds among projects.

Guilford County Schools representative Dr. Munk told the board the School Board approved a realignment on April 14 that moves $3,000,000 from the Katherine G. Johnson K–8 project to Shady Brook Elementary. On May 12 the Schools Board recommended increasing the Lindley Elementary project ordinance by $64,748,767 to align with the received guaranteed maximum price; the presentation said $38,507,941 would be allocated from Katherine D. Johnson, with the remaining $26,240,826 to come from bond proceeds as part of the county's $2,000,000,000 bond program.

Commissioners asked for context about the cost differences among recent school projects. Dr. Munk said timing and school size account for much of the variance: Lindley is larger and was bid several years later, which affects construction pricing, and the site requires about $10,000,000 in additional site-development work because it is uneven. "The building cost per square foot itself is around $400 a square foot," Dr. Munk said, while also noting contingencies and phased GMP (guaranteed maximum price) approaches for certain scopes.

Commissioner Tillman asked whether the remaining Katherine Johnson ordinance funds had planned uses; Dr. Munk said portions remain for land acquisition and outstanding easements or rights of way. After discussion a motion to approve the amendment was moved and seconded and the board cast a unanimous vote to authorize staff to implement the ordinance changes.

The board recorded the motion and an affirmative unanimous vote and directed staff to proceed with the project-ordinance amendments consistent with the Schools Board recommendation.