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Edgewood PreK renovation estimate rises; board told Oct. 28 finance review could change scope
Summary
District staff said updated design costs and a reduced reimbursement rate increase the city's share for the Edgewood PreK renovation; the project will be presented to the board of finance Oct. 28 and, if approved, to a joint board Nov. 12. Board members pressed staff on the consequences of delaying or tabling the project.
District staff told the Bristol School District board that updated cost estimates and an eligibility adjustment have increased the city’s anticipated share of the Edgewood PreK renovation and that the project will be brought to the board of finance on Oct. 28 and then to a joint board on Nov. 12.
The presenter said the design-team cost used in the update was $28.8 million and that adjusting the reimbursable-eligibility percentage reduces the state share from the previously cited 84.64% to about 79.64%, which raises the city’s estimated cost from the earlier figure of $4.42 million to roughly $5.8 million. The presenter also said the district had already committed approximately $3.3 million in bonding for related roof and alterations work and that reimbursements tied to a Southside HVAC roof project are expected to help cover remaining needs.
Why it matters: the Edgewood plan would create a dedicated preschool facility for the district’s youngest students and house specialized services used across the district. Staff told the board this phase of work is time‑sensitive because the state-approved renovation project carries a two‑year window to break ground; delaying the project could push the schedule and put reimbursement at risk unless the state or city grants a reprieve.
Board members asked what would happen to the reimbursement if the board of finance or the city tabled the project. Staff said the reimbursement would likely revert to city coffers if the district did not move forward, and that while the district technically has two years to break ground after approval, delays could jeopardize the funds if a reprieve is not granted. The presenter said that, although the district could ask the city for additional months, it was not certain the city would grant that relief.
Board members and staff also discussed whether existing elementary buildings—specifically Green Hills and West Bristol—could host the program. Consultants from MP Planning and district staff said they toured the schools and concluded available ground-floor classrooms and support spaces were insufficient to accommodate the full program, which requires conference space and therapy rooms in addition to classrooms.
Staff framed the recommendation as the culmination of a feasibility and redistricting process that has already identified Edgewood as the preferred solution to meet statutory and program needs; several board members urged transparency about the updated numbers as the item moves to the board of finance.
Next steps: staff will present the revised scope and funding request to the board of finance on Oct. 28 and, if advanced, to a joint board on Nov. 12.
