Construction crews working on the regional career academy and new Greene County high school are finally back on track for the scheduled completion date of Aug. 1, but reclaiming the month lost due to the wet spring and early fall added close to $52,000 to the current cost of the project.
The Greene County Schools board at its Dec. 18 regular meeting approved using a precast concrete wall rather than a load bearing masonry wall on the exterior of the music suite (band and vocal music rooms) on the west side of the auditorium. According to the change order submitted by Henkel Construction and okayed by the board, the change will regain lost time on the construction schedule. Owner’s rep Sam Harding said that with the change, the entire project except for the auditorium will be completed by Aug. 1. The last updated schedule called for the gymnasium not to be completed until Oct. 1.
The net difference between the precast wall and a masonry wall is $51,783.
Even with the additional cost, the board is still confident the entire project will not go over the $35.48 million cost allowed.
During the work session preceding the regular meeting, the board had its first look at the plans for repurposing the current high school into a middle school. Students in grades 5-8 will begin attending the “new” middle school next August, at the same time high school students begin in their new school.
The repurposing/renovation includes a new boiler; preliminary work on that part of the project will begin before school dismisses for the summer. The project also includes a new sprinkler system in most of the building. That installation will be done in three phases to meet the August 2020 deadline.
The gymnasium is being expanded to make it suitable for sub varsity competitions. Work on the gym will be done after work on classroom space, with the expectation that phys ed classes can be held outdoors until October or so. Work remodeling the north hallway – now home to the Ram Restaurant and family and consumer sciences – will be last. The space will be used for the district administration office, but it won’t be ready until November.
Superintendent Tim Christensen explained the project is being done in phases to get more interest from contractors in the bidding process. He said contractors might shy away from a project with the tight schedule needed without working in phases.
OPN, the architectural firm that designed the high school and career academy, is doing the design work for the repurposing. Total project cost is $4.5-$5 million. Of that, $1.5 million comes from the bond issue approved by voters. The remaining is being borrowed against anticipated sales tax revenue.
Also during the regular meeting, the board approved an engagement letter with Piper Jaffray to sell the sales tax revenue bonds, and a preliminary loan participation package for the same tax revenue bonds.
The board approved a voluntary retirement policy as it has in recent years. Christensen recommended offering an early retirement incentive due to the decline in enrollment from last year. The incentive is available to staff who are 55 years or older and have worked 10 or more years in the district. The board approved up to $200,000 for the total incentives to be paid. Teachers have until Jan. 13 to apply for early retirement. Their retirement would be effective at the end of the current school year.
The board also approved changes to the district policy regarding family medical leave for classified employees, and to the policy regarding student use of the internet.
