District architect: Tatum redesign, Hopkins gym bids targeted for August; mobilization planned for November 2026

The district's architect director, Ron Schwanke, told the board the Tatum redesign and the Hopkins parcel gymnasium remain on a revised timeline as the district reconciles Colliers' cost estimates.

"The intent on this job is to go out ... August 13," Schwanke said, adding the district aims for a bid opening on Sept. 17 and an award on Sept. 24 with mobilization in November 2026. He said the team is submitting updated drawings for certain line items and pursuing value engineering to preserve the original project scope and referendum value.

Schwanke described additional work packaged with the Tatum addition: a media center and library reconfiguration that will create specialty SDI spaces and an OT/PT classroom and restore an underserved library area to program use. He also said the historic-cupola replacement has been 3D-scanned to permit off-site fabrication and rapid installation once delivered.

Board members asked about sequencing for turf, roof and window work. Schwanke said turf mobilized in May and that contractors estimate the field will be usable in a few weeks, with full parking/lighting completion dependent on PSE&G. For window replacements, he said crews can often replace a classroom's windows overnight and do a final seal in a follow-up pass to minimize lost classroom time.

The architect emphasized coordination with historic‑preservation review for façade work on Kings Highway and said the team is negotiating schedules to avoid summer bidding congestion among large general contractors.