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Board approves $62 million contract to begin multi‑summer renovation at Chopticon High School
Summary
The St. Mary's County Board of Education approved a multi‑summer, phased renovation of Chopticon High School, awarding a construction contract that staff described as addressing roofs, HVAC, science labs, ADA plumbing, electrical upgrades and abatement with a contingency for unforeseen conditions.
The St. Mary's County Board of Education voted May 20 to award the main construction contract for a multi‑system renovation at Chopticon High School and to authorize a contingency for unforeseen conditions.
Capital planning staff described a phased project to begin in summer 2026 and span about three to four years by work area. The base scope focuses on roof and HVAC replacements to maintain instructional continuity; staff added science-lab upgrades, abatement, electrical switchgear and generator upgrades, ADA restroom and locker improvements (to meet shelter-school and civil-rights requirements), and interior finishes. Staff said sub‑slab piping in older parts of the building is failing and required replacement.
The procurement used a prequalification technical step followed by price bids; staff said three vendors were prequalified and all three submitted price proposals. Shival Construction (listed in the meeting packet as the lowest responsible and responsive bidder) was recommended for the contract award. The motion presented to the board described a construction award reported in the meeting as approximately $62,380,000 with a contingency of $1,672,921.59; staff explained the $68 million figure discussed elsewhere in the presentation included prior encumbrances and previously approved design and relocation costs for the overall program.
Board members asked about scope choices (for example, whether to replace windows and doors now or defer them) and were told the district prioritized science labs and essential systems given the available funding. Staff said the project will be delivered in about 10 phases to reduce classroom disruption and that temporary relocatables and phased student moves will be used.
The board approved the contract after a second was offered; the transcript records one recorded opposition voice during the roll call but does not name the dissenting member. The motion carried and staff may bring contract documents and notices to proceed as procurement rules require.
Work on the construction contract is expected to begin this summer; staff said they will return with project scheduling details and oversight plans as phases are awarded and mobilized.
