Board reviews $6M renovation GMP for Central Administration building; contingency and funding discussed

Construction staff presented a guaranteed maximum price to the board for renovations to the old Madison Academic building intended for central administration use. The project team described a value‑engineering process that reuses existing building elements, abatement that has already been completed and exterior work still to be finalized.

The presenter stated a GMP of $6,000,009.92 (as articulated in the meeting presentation) and identified a contingency allowance of approximately $400,000 for unforeseen conditions typically encountered in renovations of older facilities. Finance staff later described the overall figure as "hard fought" and referenced a rounded $6,900,000 figure in budget planning discussion.

District finance and leadership said they expect to use about $4,000,000 in ESSER funds and $2,000,000 from Madison County toward the project and will seek additional funds or internal savings to fund the remainder. Presenters said earlier necessary work — asbestos abatement, a new roof and exterior water sealing — had already been performed and that subcontractor bids included local firms.

Board members asked for scope clarifications: the current GMP does not include the auditorium or full basement finishes, and some exterior items (permanent fencing, light‑duty paving at the service lane) were to be handled in a forthcoming Architect's Supplemental Instruction (ASI). The presenters said the team would circulate the outstanding ASI to subcontractors promptly.

On schedule the presenter said the team was aiming for occupancy as soon as feasible and cited weather and the usual unknowns in renovation work as variables; the district emphasized contract language requiring board approval should contingency spend exceed preset thresholds. The board did not take a construction contract vote during this session; staff said they are prepared to answer questions and proceed when the board formally authorizes the GMP.