Lowell High rebuild delayed and over budget, committee hears about locks and elevator issues

Members of the Lowell School Committee were briefed on the Lowell High School construction project during the Jan. 21 meeting, where officials described hardware and elevator problems and reported cost and schedule setbacks.

Mister Bahu, who attended the recent School Building Committee meeting, reported workers discovered front-door lock hardware that was not operating as intended and said the hardware company has been difficult to reach. He also described an elevator issue that has trapped administrative staff in the elevator in at least one instance.

"Those locking devices were intended to come in December during Christmas break…they weren't able to make it, but they are under the belief that they will be there in January," Bahu said. He added the project is delayed by about a year and said the work will cost an additional "about $37,000,000." The superintendent and committee members said the project manager is reviewing elevator performance and determining corrective action.

Superintendent Skinner said the packet provided to the committee contains the School Building Committee materials and invited questions from members who attended. Officials emphasized the priority of completing construction so students can learn without ongoing work in the building.

No formal motion about contracting or additional funding for the Lowell High project was taken at the meeting; committee members were directed to the SBC packet for more detail and to follow up with those involved in the project management.