Duarte Unified accepts notice of completion for sports complex; gym leak repairs underway

The Duarte Unified School District board received a business update Dec. 16 that included a notice of completion and release of retention for the Duarte High School sports complex and an update on gym leak repairs.

During the business portion, administrators described the project as a lease-leaseback with Berners Brother Inc. (as named in the meeting record) and said approximately $291,000 would be returned to the bond fund upon completion. The board approved the notice of completion and associated actions by motion.

Trustees asked about a reported leak in the new gym. The superintendent reported that leaks have been identified and are being repaired, that the contractor would be on site for further water testing and confirmation of repair locations, and that certain items carry a one-year warranty from September. "Bernard's will be actually, on-site tomorrow. We received some of the materials today, and they're gonna be doing some water testing to identifying the locations that have not already been patched," the superintendent said.

The board approved the business item and acknowledged that returned funds would go back into the bond. No formal dispute or legal claim was recorded on the matter at the meeting; the superintendent said repairs were ongoing and that thresholds and subcontractor arrangements for installation were in process.