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District says new school project remains on time and on budget; fields may not be seeded first year
Summary
Superintendent reported the district—s new school project is on schedule and within budget despite rain and permitting delays; plumbing-permit timing may prevent seeding of the west fields in the first year, and the board approved the district—s long-term facilities maintenance plan.
GFW Public Schools— superintendent told the board on July 15 that the district—s new school building project remains on time and on budget, but weather and permitting issues have required some drainage and footing adjustments that will be covered by the project—s contingency.
The superintendent said recent rain and the timing of a plumbing permit required alternate construction techniques for drainage around footings; those changes may add cost but will be paid from the project—s contingency (the superintendent referenced a roughly 5% contingency set aside for such events). She also warned that, because seeding requires two growing seasons, the turf/grass on the west side athletic fields might not be usable in the first school year in the new building. The district plans to provide hard-surface play areas, playground space and other temporary options while grass establishes.
Staff reported that the city proceeded with bonding for a sewer connection and that bids came in somewhat lower than expected but with additional engineering and construction fees; staff said those costs will be incorporated into upcoming fiscal-year 2026 budget discussions.
Separately, the board reviewed and approved its statutorily required 10-year long-term facilities maintenance (LTFM) plan, which the superintendent described as focused on maintaining existing buildings while the district transitions to the new facility. The presentation cited a current LTFM allocation in the neighborhood of $240,000 to $260,000 per year and noted a key fiscal "cutoff" in February that can affect whether the district retains a year of allocation when transitioning buildings. The board approved the LTFM resolution; the transcript references Minnesota Statutes section 123B.595 when discussing LTFM requirements.
The board directed staff to complete a facilities assessment and provide a timeline for outstanding work so members can refine budgeting and transition plans.
