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Coopertown construction progressing; board approves $135,201.45 in change orders
Summary
Project manager told trustees the Coopertown renovation is well underway, with demolition largely complete and classrooms prioritized; the board approved $135,201.45 in change orders and heard that the gym may not be ready by Sept. 1, with contingency plans for food service if the kitchen is delayed.
The Haverford Township School District received a construction update July 16 on the Coopertown renovation and approved a package of change orders totaling $135,201.45.
Project presenter Mr. Matthews told the board demolition is essentially complete and that crews are prioritizing classroom readiness. "We're pushing to have the kitchen done, but similar to Chatham, if it has to trickle in a little bit, you know, we gotta get health department inspections and make sure it's clean and ready," he said. He confirmed the gym is unlikely to be complete by the start of school but said the district has contingency plans for food service and other operations.
Mr. Matthews walked trustees through photos of work in progress, including a new two‑story lobby, cafeteria renovations, repurposed library spaces and classroom builds. He said doors for the front entrance were scheduled for installation soon and that the team planned rolling turn‑overs to allow teachers to move back into finished classrooms every two weeks.
When asked about contingency funding and percent complete, the presenter said remaining contingency is sufficient for foreseeable needs: "We have a little over $300,000 left in the contingency... there's another $100,000 of allowance money left," he said, adding the team expects additional small change orders but described them as already accounted for in the budget. Administration said it will return to the board with further change orders and an update at the Aug. 6 meeting.
The board moved and approved the change orders by voice vote. Administration said final triggers for full kitchen service include equipment delivery and health department inspections; if those are delayed into September the district plans to provide bagged lunches sourced from the high school while kitchen systems are brought online.
