Abram Academy renovation moves toward summer construction under $1.8M plan

Architectural consultant Josh Bauer updated the board on renovation plans for Abram Academy and said a job‑order contracting (JOC) approach using Gordian’s procurement model produced preliminary numbers that could deliver the prioritized scope this summer within the $1.8 million construction budget.

Bauer described Project 1A (about $400,000) and Project 1B (about $1.4 million) as two contracts structured to meet maximum single‑contract limits while treating the work as a single project. The highest priorities (shown in the presentation as the orange/peach areas) include a secure vestibule and reception desk, individual student toilet rooms (four student toilets and two adult toilets), the museum/lobby area, a conference room and five classrooms, plus upgraded HVAC, lighting and technology.

The consultant said early contractor feedback indicates the majority of the work could begin about June 1 and finish by the end of July, allowing teachers to return and set up classrooms before the school year. If final bid numbers come in under budget, purple and green areas in the schematic could be added (additional classrooms, offices, exterior aesthetics). The project uses JOC so individual pieces are competitively bid and Gordian controls maximums for each line item.

Board members asked questions about exterior ramps, basement work (not included), accessibility improvements and whether the project is on the county CIP; staff noted some work is in CIP and that county coordination and solicitor review of contract language are underway. Bauer said final numbers are expected within two weeks with a goal of bringing final contracts back for board approval at the next meeting.

No formal action was taken at the presentation; board members expressed appreciation and indicated they expect a contract approval vote in an upcoming meeting if numbers align with the $1.8 million appropriation.