Region 4 committee approves $25,876 change order to reconfigure John Winthrop Middle School entrance; ADA sidewalk replacement deferred

Regional School District 4’s John Winthrop Security Project Building Committee approved a $25,876.77 change order on July 24 to revise the school’s entrance and passenger loading configuration.

Rick Daniels, chairman of the John Winthrop Security Project Building Committee, presented two change order options from Orlando Annulli & Sons and described the proposals at the committee meeting. Erin Benken of QA+M Architecture recommended Option 07.b Rev1, saying it would create a more streamlined entryway and sidewalk layout and carry the lower cost of the two options presented.

Jim Olson, a Deep River selectperson serving on the committee, moved to approve Orlando Annulli & Sons Change Order Proposal #7.b Rev1 (dated July 23, 2025) in the amount of $25,876.77; Mr. Daniels seconded the motion and the committee voted unanimously to approve the change order. The committee’s action authorizes the contractor to schedule the listed work to tie the roadway, passenger loading zone and walkways into the entrance, elevator and stairs.

Committee members also reviewed Orlando Annulli & Sons Change Order Proposal #8 Rev1, a separate add of $43,644.92 for removal and replacement of ADA‑compliant sidewalks and curbing. The proposal included revised scope details and credits responsive to the committee’s July 17 requests, but members collectively judged it premature to commit contingency funds for that work. The committee deferred final action on Change Order 08 Rev1 to a future meeting.

During the meeting, QA+M architect Rusty Malik and Ms. Benken provided a construction update: concrete work is underway and the contractor is awaiting inspection results from Test‑Con that would permit backfilling. Mr. Malik said he contacted the inspection firm to expedite results expected on Thursday, July 24, 2025, which could allow backfilling to begin before the weekend.

Robert Grissom, the district’s finance director and financial consultant for the project, said the construction team is tracking potential unknown costs that could arise as the work proceeds — for example, contractor overtime for extended hours to make up delays — but no specific additional unbudgeted amounts were identified at the meeting.

Mr. Olson reported public concern raised at a recent Deep River Board of Selectpersons meeting and urged broader communication about the project to the Tri‑Town community (Deep River, Chester, Essex). Mr. Grissom said he would work with Superintendent Brian White on a broad message — potentially via weekly First Selectmen newsletters or a similar channel — to inform residents of project progress and any impacts to school opening.

The committee set its next meeting for 8:30 AM on August 7, 2025. Mr. Daniels adjourned the meeting at 8:49 AM.