Board approves GMP amendment for Diley Middle School renovations to create kindergarten center

Pickerington trustees on March 23 approved Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment No. 1 for interior renovations at Diley Middle School to prepare the building to become the district's new kindergarten center.

Mr. Weinheimer summarized the amendment as focused on interior work: reconfiguring the media center to add a classroom, replacing/adding carpet in the adjoining technology room, modifying door hardware and lowering the cafeteria serving line to accommodate kindergarten students. Staff told the board a second GMP, expected at the next meeting, will cover site work, playground expansion and parking/queuing adjustments and will likely top roughly $1 million.

The board approved the GMP amendment by unanimous roll-call vote. Staff said the renovations are timed to have the kindergarten center ready for the 2026-27 school year.

Next steps: the construction team will proceed under the approved GMP amendment and the district will return to the board for the forthcoming site-work GMP.