Board presses contractors and demands contingency plans as school construction timelines slip

Berkeley County school leaders on June 15 reported progress and lingering delays on several bond‑funded construction projects and told the board they will finalize contingency plans for families if buildings are not ready in time for the fall term.

Executive Director for Maintenance Mr. Tyson reviewed project status across a portfolio that includes Hedgesville Early Learning Academy (HVAC startup and finishing work), Brownidge Primary (roof insulation and road connections), Mountain Ridge Primary (geothermal wellfields and grading), Inwood Early Learning Academy (site work), and Falling Waters Elementary (design and bid timeline). On some projects the district said weather, utility work and unforeseen site issues contributed to minor and, in some cases, more substantial schedule slips.

Board members pressed contractors and district staff for clear timelines and contingency options. "I am extremely frustrated that we are waiting to the last possible minute to find an answer for our families," a board member said, calling for the district to finalize contingency plans before July 1 so transportation, staffing and family communications would be settled.

District leaders said contractors have not submitted formal requests for time extensions and that the district has placed the contractor on notice about potential liquidated damages. Staff also said they will complete contingency planning this week and will communicate alternatives for student placement and transportation if a school is not substantially complete by the planned date.

The board did not vote on additional contract actions at the meeting; staff said they would return with finalized contingency and communication plans and, where warranted, assessments of liquidated damages.