There has been a major adjustment regarding the timeline of the school capital projects. Increasing demand within the construction industry between the time the project was approved and now have resulted in the need for a reformed approach to the construction project.
At the time of voter approval, normal escalations in construction costs were projected to be, and built in at, 20%. Unfortunately, escalations have now risen to about 53%. The construction of the new Bills stadium has put constraints on local resources and funding, consequently influencing the cost escalation the District is facing with this project.
In response to these setbacks, the Board of Education has resolved to pause the capital project, rejecting all bids for Phase 3, and, instead, moving to a “reimagined” Phase 4. This phase will delay the construction of the new pool and gym; however, it includes additions to elementary school classrooms. Bids for Phase 4 are planned to be opened this fall, the results of which will determine what steps are going to be taken next regarding the capital projects.
Unfortunately, the original timeline for this project is no longer realistic nor feasible, taking into account the current construction and financial situation.
