Contractors say CTE site work advancing; district expects savings from owner direct purchase

Skanska and project partners told the Roanoke County School Board on Jan. 8 that earthwork and site preparation for the career and technical education (CTE) project are advancing despite weather delays.

Wes Mitchell, project manager, said crews completed mass grading and are backfilling slopes—some areas need about 20 feet of fill—and that footings were scheduled to begin after rebar deliveries. He described recent blasting operations and use of on‑site rock crushers to reuse material and speed preparation of building pads. Mitchell said geotechnical engineers have been proof‑rolling pads and seeing solid compaction results.

Todd Cagle and Skanska officials also described an owner direct purchase program for equipment that the district will manage, which district staff projected could save about a million dollars compared with prior projects by avoiding tax on contractor‑purchased materials. Jason Pax said the third‑party construction managers provide quality control, help manage the budget and represent the district in disputes with subcontractors.

Board members asked about erosion and sediment controls, temporary retention ponds and whether ponds would remain; Skanska said pond baffling slows flows and that staff can pump and remove sediment as needed. Members were invited to schedule site tours.

No board action was taken; staff will continue to oversee construction schedules and return with any items requiring formal votes.