(Atlantic) During a special meeting Thursday evening, the Atlantic School Board approved moving forward with the design development phase of its facilities improvement project based on the schematic design review and recommended value engineering strategies.
Last month, the board learned that estimated project costs exceeded the $22.5 million bond approved by voters in November. To help bridge the funding gap, board members have discussed using up to $3 million in SAVE funds, if necessary.
Board members met Thursday with Vitus Bering of SVPA Architects and Brandon Schulte of DCI Group to ask questions about the project.
The board emphasized that no portions of the project have been eliminated at this stage. Members said the plans remain conceptual and that Thursday’s action simply authorizes SVPA Architects and DCI Group to continue designing the project. Once the design work is complete and updated cost estimates are available, the board will review the plans again and determine whether any adjustments or reductions are needed to stay within the project’s budget.
The board approved supporting an adjusted project funding strategy for a total project cost not to exceed $26 million, pending future board approval of the final project scope and the Guaranteed Maximum Price.
Board members also noted that many of the SAVE dollars being considered were already designated for future improvements included in the district’s 10-year plan, such as replacing the HVAC system at Washington Elementary School. Rather than delaying those improvements, the board said the proposal would move those projects forward as part of the current facilities plan.
