CTE construction advancing, but electric service approvals pose scheduling risk, superintendent says

Superintendent Dr. Perry reported to the Conewago Valley SD board on June 8 that construction at the Career & Technical Education (CTE) campus is proceeding and that many trades are “full steam ahead,” with the south-wing roof complete and masonry walls finished. Work on the north-wing roof and interior mechanical, electrical and plumbing is underway, and demolition of older areas is planned for the summer once approvals and staging are in place.

Dr. Perry said crews have excavated and started to run conduit for a new electrical duct bank to bring new service into the facility and to support the addition. That, he said, is the principal scheduling concern: pending approvals from the electric utility (referred to in the meeting as MED) have taken longer than hoped and may tighten the district’s timeline.

“We’re a little worried it’s going to be a tighter schedule than we had hoped,” Dr. Perry told the board, and administrators said they are meeting biweekly with the construction manager to problem-solve and limit impacts. The district reported approving allowances and minor rework within contractor allowances, and Dr. Perry said the project remains ahead of schedule financially at this point.

The superintendent also briefed the board about the new elementary project (NOE). NOE is moving through permitting and pre-construction planning; contracts were described as being routed for signature and trade mobilizations expected within weeks once notices to proceed are issued.

Board members asked about alternative energy options such as rooftop solar or a solar farm. Administration said district studies found no long-term financial advantage for the district given upfront costs, future replacement timelines (roughly three decades), limited roof surface area to meaningfully offset utility costs, roof-penetration risks and maintenance considerations; the board had previously authorized study of solar options several years ago.

Dr. Perry also highlighted ACTI student recognitions and academic performance metrics for career programming during his report. The board moved on to consent business after the construction briefing.