DURHAM, CT — The Regional School District 13 Board of Education Building Committee unanimously approved approximately $3.67 million in construction-related invoices and a series of change orders for the Memorial School renovation and expansion project during its Oct. 21 meeting.
The committee also reviewed a remaining owner contingency balance of $489,000, discussed potential reductions to planned outdoor sports courts and received an update on accessibility improvements proposed for Strong School.
The committee met at Coginchaug Regional High School, with representatives from construction manager O&G Associates, architect QA+M Associates and project management firm STV participating.
The committee approved seven invoices totaling $3,672,555.39, including a $3,600,776.41 payment application from O&G Associates.
Other approved expenses included $47,511.48 for construction administration by QA+M, $16,167.50 for materials testing by IMTL, $3,850 for inverter work by Electric Works, $2,250 for construction inspections by Weston & Sampson and $2,000 for hazardous-materials testing and project management by Pennoni.
Committee member Giammatteo moved to approve the invoices, and Cross seconded the motion.
The vote was unanimous, 9-0.
Finance Director Neubig also reported that the district had received approximately $20 million in bond proceeds.
The district refinanced part of its bond anticipation notes and issued bonds in stages to fund construction while spreading debt service over the coming years.
The first state reimbursement was expected within two weeks of the meeting.
The committee unanimously approved the QA+M project change request log dated Oct. 21.
The changes included $14,181 for asbestos mastic remediation beneath existing walls, $7,641 to repair a depressed concrete slab in a locker-room and bathroom area, and $3,083 to adjust the height of an existing well.
Other items included $2,439 to remove abandoned electrical materials and backfill the area, $1,235 to fill a former mechanical-room trench, and a $132,159 roofing allowance reconciliation that included rebidding costs.
Several previously approved credits were also adjusted or reconciled. A $2,223 change for branded screening on temporary fencing along Hubbard Street will be paid from the construction manager's contingency, with no net increase to the overall project cost.
Giammatteo moved to approve the change request log, and Cross seconded. The motion passed 9-0.
STV representative Liska reported that the remaining owner contingency balance was $489,000.
She said the projection already accounted for previously approved changes, items under consideration and anticipated future costs. It also included a possible $71,000 reduction associated with the sports courts and a $150,000 placeholder for an outdoor classroom.
Committee members acknowledged that the contingency remains tight and said they expect a clearer financial picture as construction progresses through December.
The committee discussed a proposed reduction in the number of outdoor sports courts at Memorial School.
The revised layout would reduce the plan from four courts to two: one full tennis court and one hybrid court.
The site contractor has indicated that the change could produce a credit of approximately $71,000, but the amount has not been fully documented or verified.
Committee members agreed not to vote on the proposed reduction until the contractor provides supporting cost information and a finalized layout.
Because the court work is planned for spring and is not on the project's critical construction schedule, members said there is time to review the proposal.
The committee expects to revisit the sports courts and outdoor classroom decisions by the end of December, when updated cost estimates and contingency information are available.
O&G representative Luccarelli reported that construction continues on underground utility backfilling, concrete work, metal-stud framing, steel erection and preparations for decking and slabs.
A signed steel beam has been installed in the gymnasium.
Crews are also preparing the existing building for winter work by installing temporary window protection.
Roofing will proceed in stages. Luccarelli estimated approximately 20 days for two sections of the building and 10 days for the gymnasium, with the goal of getting the building under cover by late December or early January.
He reported no major concerns with current site work, steel installation or inspections.
QA+M representative Collier said the design team continues to address construction questions, proposed changes and site coordination.
A playground recertification inspection is being scheduled to determine which existing equipment can be relocated and which items must be replaced.
Preliminary furniture budgets were expected by the end of the week, with selections and costs to be finalized before a targeted state review in December. Some playground decisions could be deferred until January.
The design team is also refining plans for courtyards and outdoor classrooms, including planting quantities, ground cover and comparisons between asphalt and concrete court surfaces.
The district plans to survey students about mascot options for the renovated Memorial School.
A subsequent vote is expected after the survey, with mascot results and room names anticipated around early December.
Collier asked district officials to finalize mascot, plaque, gymnasium and cafeteria names as soon as possible because custom signage and graphics may require several rounds of coordination.
The committee also discussed maintaining accurate room names and numbers in construction documents and digital records.
A separate survey concerning the field house is being distributed.
The committee received an update on proposed accessibility and security improvements at Strong School.
Collier said a limited-area survey was expected to be finalized by the end of the week. The survey will help establish elevations for a new entrance and accessible ramp.
Design work is also underway on a secure entry vestibule and revisions to the main office.
District staff are preparing a grant application and pursuing special legislation to obtain priority-project status and maximize state reimbursement for security-related improvements.
The project team aims to begin state review around January 2027, seek construction bids in early spring and complete the work during summer 2027 before students return.
Drawings and supporting materials are expected to be prepared ahead of a meeting with legislators anticipated for Dec. 4 or 7.
The committee approved its Oct. 7 meeting minutes and the Oct. 21 agenda. Both motions passed unanimously, according to the minutes.
Members also congratulated Luccarelli on receiving the 2026 ACG Connecticut Industry Project Manager of the Year award.
No public comments were received.
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