Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Construction topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves schematic design and amendment for new Rockingham County elementary school
Summary
The Rockingham County Schools board approved schematic designs and a design‑build contract amendment to begin preconstruction work on a new elementary school (650–700 students), with a preliminary construction budget of about $44.1 million and a design‑build proposal of $40.52 million.
The Rockingham County Schools board voted July 12 to accept preliminary schematic designs and to approve a design‑build contract amendment that lets the district move the new elementary school into schematic design and preconstruction services.
The board heard a presentation from the design‑build team, led by Mike Burrows, who described a school sized for roughly 650–700 students and about 89,000 square feet. Burrows said the team planned an expedited schedule: “With approval here tonight, we would like to move forward with the schematic design phase, starting tomorrow,” and outlined a target schematic completion of Sept. 15 followed by design development through November and permitting and a guaranteed maximum price submittal the following June.
Why it matters: The vote authorizes work that will shape the campus layout, systems and budget before the board considers final construction authorization and a guaranteed maximum price. The presentation included both program details — classrooms, cafeteria/multipurpose space with operable partitions, specialist and support spaces — and site‑planning considerations such as bus circulation and stormwater controls.
Budget and scope: The design team presented preliminary cost figures, including a total construction budget cited at $44,100,000 and a construction line item of $38,500,000. The presenter summarized a “total design‑build budget proposal of $40,521,726, leaving a balance for the county of $3,578,002.74” for fixed furniture, equipment and related contracts. Board members discussed opportunities to reduce scope (for example, trimming gym square footage) and said they would track exclusions and contingency planning as design proceeds.
Community and procurement: Staff said the demolition bid process was reissued after initial proposals exceeded expectations; the rebid closed July 20. Presenters emphasized outreach to local subcontractors during the construction phase and noted salvage requests (bricks and memorabilia) would be handled subject to safety and contamination checks.
Next steps: With schematic design authorized, the team will produce drawings for public review and permitting; the board will return later to consider final costs and a notice to proceed for construction.
