The project is designed to replace space lost to the middle school by the demolition of the Powell High School auditorium/ natatorium and to provide a lunchroom for the middle school, so the old PHS building can be abandoned.
The plan includes both new construction and remodeling within the current structure.
The remodeling, which will create a new choir room and an additional classroom as well as office space for two teachers and the school psychologist, will be ready for use next fall for the 2012-13 school year, Wilder said, but the new construction will not be ready for occupancy until March 2012.
Regarding the new Westside school building under construction, Wilder told the board the contractor is seeking extra time to complete the project because recent extreme cold weather has slowed construction. So far, Wilder said, the School Facilities Commission has said no to the request.
Wilder said he is concerned that the commission’s refusal could result in poor quality if the contractor is forced to rush its work. He recommended the district work with the contractor and the commission to resolve the issue.
Wilder said foundations for the new school are complete, and the gym walls have been built. The final slab for the building was poured last week, and structural steel has been installed for one of the building’s pods. Framing for that pod and structural steel work for the remainder of the building were scheduled to begin last week.
Wilder also reported a delay in the remodel of the district’s transportation facility, now under way. The fire marshal raised a code issue that may require an additional fire wall to be installed in the building, he said.