Cypress Street addition on track; Penwood Middle gets full roof replacement

Ken Matthews, the district’s construction manager, told the committee that the new gym roof at the Cypress Street addition is complete and interior work (framing, MEP rough‑in, exterior cladding and insulation) is ongoing. Matthews said phase two and three interior renovations will begin immediately after the end of the school year, with portions of the renovated building—including a new science room, cafeteria and auditorium updates—planned to be ready for the start of the school year; remaining work will continue through December with phase four planned to start in January 2027.

On the Penwood Middle School roof, Matthews reported a full tear‑off and replacement using EPDM rubber roofing with new insulation and a 30‑year warranty (72 mph wind warranty cited). He said Winchester is the roofing contractor, that federal funds are involved, the project came in under budget overall though some added costs remain, and that the goal is to complete the bulk of work before the next school year while accepting that some items may extend into September.

Board members asked about sequencing, weather precautions during tear‑off and temporary protections; Matthews said crews limit daily tear‑off to amounts they can reseal the same day and that roofing consultants and inspectors will verify correct installation to meet the warranty.

The committee heard no revised schedule for classroom moves or explicit contingency funding at the meeting; those details were not specified.