Monroe board hears high school construction update as project reaches substantial completion

Project managers updated the Monroe School District Board on the new high school’s status on June 22, saying the building has moved from construction into closeout and occupancy preparation.

Christian, the project presenter, said the project achieved “substantial completion with the architect” and that Ryan Lindsay, the city building inspector, gave a verbal final occupancy on June 18. The team said that approval allows the work to shift toward finishing site work, resolving punch-list items and completing administrative paperwork for final permits. Project staff also committed to remaining on site through the summer to support the district’s move-in and training needs.

Presenters described two recent owner change orders (listed in board materials as OCO 17 and OCO 18) that incorporated items such as light bases for the baseball/softball complex, tennis surface upgrades, motorized hoists in the performing-arts center and pads for conex storage boxes. The district’s finance representative explained that owner contingency funds have been drawn down and that the project is now using surplus bond interest and other funding sources while final billings and retainage are settled.

On logistics and next steps, the team said most classroom furniture is installed, many specialty areas (including CTE shops) are largely in place though a few pieces remain to be re-spotted after final electrical work, and branding/signage work is expected to be mostly finished in July. The presenters told the board they are planning an open house/ribbon-cutting in early August pending final coordination with contractors and completion of key exterior signage.

Board members asked specific questions about contingency accounting, bond arbitrage (rebate) impacts and remaining inspections. The project team said the district should have clearer net numbers in about a month after PMA/PTMA updates and final invoices are processed. The board also discussed logistics for transfer of utilities, insurance, and the practical “soft” turnover that typically continues after formal substantial completion.

The update closed with discussion of the old high school’s disposition: a third-party (B&S) toured the old building and indicated interest; the administration recommended the board allow B&S to handle salvage and sale logistics in order to avoid heavy staff time on low-value items, while preserving and moving high-value or sentimental district artifacts. Board members requested an informational walk-through before any final decisions on contents disposal.