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Referendum construction update: district reports $2.7M owner contingency, $900K in realized savings
Summary
Construction managers told the board phase-2 closeout is underway, phase 3 is bid and ready for a shortened summer window, and owner contingency stands at about $2.7 million after an upward revision that includes roughly $900,000 in realized savings.
Contractor and project representatives updated the board on referendum construction work and contingency on March 9. Jordan Schultz of Huffman & Keel said phase 2 punch lists and commissioning remain active but the program is prepared to launch phase 3 this summer.
Schultz told the board: "That brings our overall contingency to 2,700,000," and described the figure as a "very comfortable spot" heading into the final phase. He said earlier allowances and lower-than-expected overtime pushed a projected $600,000 allowance savings to about $900,000 as subcontractor closeouts came in.
Key figures and schedule: Schultz said phase 3 is bid and kitchens and servery equipment awards are in place. He estimated total phase-3 scope near $16 million across the three schools (El Sierra, Bel Air and Pierce Downer) and said the district remains cautious about unknowns that can arise during surveys and renovation of older buildings.
Rebates and grants: Schultz said utility rebates from ComEd and Nicor are expected to land near $300,000 and a village water-main reimbursement of $138,000 has been realized. The district also noted a $500,000 rebate connected with kitchen/servery equipment may offset costs after installation, but administration warned such reimbursements can arrive years later and should be treated as timing items rather than immediate cash.
Board concern and next steps: Board members pressed on the risks of a shortened summer construction window ("if we lose 3 days here, like, we can't do that," one member said) and requested continued conservative oversight. Schultz and the superintendent said weekly coordination, push-pull planning sessions and close subcontractor management are in place; administration will continue to present contingency updates and notify the board if scope or cost signals change.
What this means: The district remains positioned to proceed into phase 3 but will monitor unknown conditions uncovered during surveys; contingency and closeout tracking will continue to be reported at board meetings.
