District outlines CTE and NOE construction timelines; public urges clearer governance and cost controls

Superintendent Dr. Perry told the board Dec. 1 that construction on the CTE classroom wing is progressing: "The exterior walls are still under construction and footers have been poured in the north section of the addition," and that underground plumbing and electrical work are ongoing. She said there are no new pending change orders and that revised contract numbers were shared in the December report.

Dr. Perry also outlined next steps for the NOE building project: the Act 34 booklet review is scheduled for Jan. 5, board facilities meeting; the Act 34 hearing will be held on 02/12/2026 at the NOE cafeteria at 6 p.m.; if approvals proceed, project release was anticipated in March with construction beginning summer 2026 and expected completion in August 2028. The superintendent said Crabtree Warbot is preparing an RFP for the asbestos consultant and the district expects a January update.

During public comment, Chad Kellner, who identified himself as a local project manager, asked the board to revisit the governance structure for the NOE project and review the steering committee to ensure the superintendent is not the sole person making construction decisions. He urged the board to consider long-term sustainability and LEED implications on cost: "the governance policy and the steering committee for the construction project of NOE needed to be revisited to make sure that Doctor. Perry was not the, not the sole person making all the decisions related to that because her role and her expertise is specific to curriculum development, students and not construction management." Board members said design and scope decisions follow a process involving architects, project managers and staff and noted the district has a contracted project manager serving as a liaison to the architect.

Next steps: Act 34 booklet review Jan. 5 and the Act 34 hearing on Feb. 12 are scheduled; the board will receive asbestos consultant proposals in January and the district will continue to provide construction updates and contract information at upcoming meetings.