Crew of 600 working on USD 234 projects

Jason E. Silvers/Tribune photo Work continues Tuesday on the interior of the cafeteria and high-wind shelter addition at Winfield Scott School. Renovations inside the school as part of the school district's bond projects include new carpet, paint, lighting and various technological improvements. Work continues to prepare district buildings for the start of school Sept. 1.

The USD 234 Board of Education heard an update Monday on progress on the district's $40.8 million school bond projects and preparing schools for the start of school Sept. 1.

Robby Manthei, project manager for Nabholz Construction Services of Olathe, the construction manager for the projects, gave the board a brief update on progress at all four schools, as well as planned timelines for work. Manthei said he plans to continue to provide project updates for board members.

Manthei said there are currently 600 workers "orientated on job sites" throughout the district. Subcontractors have been working over the summer on new HVAC, plumbing and electrical, remodeling of classrooms and other areas, construction of new high-wind shelters and other projects. Work is expected to continue this month moving furniture and other items back into schools and preparing for opening of classrooms.

"We're going very heavily and strong," Manthei said.

Regarding the budget for the projects, Manthei said the "full construction contingency" in the amount of about $900,000 "is intact."

"It that's not spent, it will be given back to the district," he said.

USD 234 Business Manager Gina Shelton said the $900,000 is the contractor's contingency for construction. The district has about $300,000 in its contingency fund for the bond projects. Money in these funds has to be spent on construction. Shelton said any leftover contingency funds could be used for future projects outside of the bond projects.

"Instead of dipping into regular district funds, we hope to have a cushion there to do extra projects," she said.

At Eugene Ware, 14 classrooms have been turned over to the district. Manthei said the only work not expected to be complete at that school by Sept. 1 is the new shelter addition. USD 234 Superintendent Bob Beckham said items have been moved back into six fourth grade rooms and workers are planning to move into the balance of fourth grade rooms and some fifth grade rooms this week. The office area is scheduled for occupancy the week of Aug. 29. The new cafeteria addition will not be complete, and officials are working on contingency plans now for this, Beckham said.

At Winfield Scott, seven classrooms are open now, and four more rooms are expected to be open this week. Manthei said the new administration area at that school may not be complete by Sept. 1. The office area is scheduled for occupancy the week of Aug. 29. Internet connectivity is in place at the school.